England vs South Africa LIVE: Result and reaction as Lionesses clinch narrow win
England 2-1 South Africa: Sarina Wiegman’s side bounced back after a shock defeat to Germany but there are still areas for improvement
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England responded to their humbling defeat against Germany with a 2-1 victory over South Africa in their second outing of the international break.
Sarina Wiegman made eight changes to the starting line-up and saw a total change in style and composure over the first 45 minutes. In midfield Grace Clinton was a breath of fresh air, tracking back, making runs and taking shots in a blistering performance that proves she is ready for a permanent run in the team.
Leah Williamson, making her 50th appearance for England, banished the demons from Friday night by slotting home the opening goal and send the Lionesses into the lead. It was a cathartic moment for the captain but one that didn’t last.
Clinton’s headed finish sent England into the break with a two-goal cushion but their advantage was halved as mistakes crept into the team. Williamson’s poor pass to Georgia Stanway gave the ball away to Thembi Kgatlana who swept into the box and scored South Africa’s first ever goal against England.
It wasn’t enough though as Wiegman brought on her experienced substitutes to see out the win.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
England 2-0 South Africa
45+1: Four minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.
England 2-0 South Africa
45 mins: Alex Greenwood and Beth Mead stand over a free kick right in front of goal. It’s a long way out but both will fancy their chances.
Mead is the one to strike it but she doesn’t get the best connection and sends it straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.
England 2-0 South Africa
41 mins: England look in complete control of this match. Amogelang Maseyo Motau is down after clearing an aerial ball and being clattered by her own teammate Sinoxolo Cesane.
It looks like another back issue. These aren’t good signs for the South African side.
England 2-0 South Africa
38 mins: There’s an issue with South Africa goalkeeper Kaylin Swart who stays down after taking a knock to the back. After some on-field treatment, Swart plays on.
The back-up goalkeeper has been sent out to warm up. One to keep an eye on.
England 2-0 South Africa
35 mins: South Africa are missing quality.
England give the ball away and Kgatlana drives it towards the box. She dinks a fine pass into the left side of the area where Magaia arrives but can’t turn the ball towards goal under pressure from Maya Le Tissier.
England 2-0 South Africa
32 mins: There’s a lot of dramatics when South Africa get forward and threaten the England goal. Ramalepe dribbles down the wing and swings in a fine cross.
Thembi Kgatlana leaps for an overhead kick but misses the ball and the next South African fumbles her touch allowing England to clear the danger.
England 2-0 South Africa
29 mins: There’s too much work for Chloe Kelly to do on the right side of the box. She attempts to get the ball around two defenders but runs out of room whilst looking for a cross.
She’s been sharp and lively on the right side for the Lionesses.
England 2-0 South Africa
26 mins: Clinton is penalised for a poor tackle on Bambanani Mbane. She catches the South African on the ankle and knocks her to the floor resulting in a free kick.
There are still visible areas for England to improve despite the current scoreline.
GOAL! England 2-0 South Africa (Grace Clinton, 23 mins)
23 mins: Fantastic goal!
Chloe Kelly receives the ball on the right wing and slips in Maya Le Tissier on the overlap. The right-back carries the ball to the byline then waits for her teammates to arrive in the box.
When it comes, Le Tissier’s cross drops perfectly onto the head of the arriving Grace Clinton who targets the near corner and beats the outstretched hands of Kaylin Swart!
England 1-0 South Africa
21 mins: Grace Clinton tries something different in possession just outside the box. She spots a run from Jess Park and dinks the ball over the South African backline.
The idea is a decent one but the execution is lacking and the goalkeeper comes out to collect the ball.
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