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 1-0 South Africa
18 mins: That chances was a warning sign for England. They’ve looked smooth and free-flowing going forward but are still susceptible to the counter-attack and defensive mistakes.
South Africa win a free kick over on the left wing and look to fizz one into the area but fail to beat the first defender.
England 1-0 South Africa
15 mins: Close!
It’s an almost immediate response from South Africa. Esme Morgan is caught on the ball trying to play out from the back. It comes loose and rolls into the path of Thembi Kgatlana who weaves into the box and flicks the ball over to her teammate.
Hildah Magaia arrives in space and should score with only Mary Earps to beat. Instead her first touch is shocking and the ball bobbles away from her.
There’s a mad scramble and Morgan manages to poke the ball out for a corner.
GOAL! England 1-0 South Africa (Leah Williamson, 12 mins)
England win a corner that Beth Mead flicks the ball into the middle of the box. The hosts win the aerial duel and nod it down to the captain Leah Williamson.
She takes a calm and composes side-footed effort and rolls the ball into the bottom corner!
England 0-0 South Africa
11 mins: Ouch! A late tackle from Lebohang Ramalepe clips Beth Mead on the back of the ankle and elicits a wince of pain from the forward.
England take the free kick and switch the play but South Africa are composed enough to keep them at bay.
England 0-0 South Africa
9 mins: Alex Greenwood whips the set piece into the box but it’s too high and too straight for any of the Lionesses to get on the end of.
Instead Kaylin Swart confidently comes off her line and plucks the ball out of the air.
England 0-0 South Africa
6 mins: The corner is defended well by South Africa who look to kick start a counter attack before Park recovers the ball. England’s possession has predominantly been inside the visitors’ half which is only increasing the pressure.
Naz is brought down after a slip from Tiisetso Makhubela. Free kick England.
England 0-0 South Africa
3 mins: Great work from England.
They feed the ball across to Chloe Kelly on the right side of the pitch. She shifts the ball onto her left foot and threatens to cut inside before sliding a fine pass into the box.
A run from deep by Jess Park sees the England No. 10 collect the ball and her first time effort is blocked and deflected out for a corner.
Kick off! England 0-0 South Africa
England get the ball rolling and move it over to the left side of the pitch. It’s knocked down the wing and played into Jessica Naz who is flagged offside making her run in between the central defenders.
England vs South Africa
The anthems have been sung, the players are ready, the fans are waiting. Kick off is up next...
England vs South Africa
The players are waiting in the tunnel to come out onto the pitch at the CBS Arena. Leah Williamson makes her 50th appearance for the Lionessses this evening and leads the team.
She didn’t have the best of outings at Wembley against Germany but will be looking to impress. Sarina Wiegman has made plenty of changes and will hope to see an improved performance this evening.
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