England vs South Africa LIVE: Result and reaction as Lionesses clinch narrow win | OneFootball

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Wiegman stands by squad selection despite loss to Germany

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.

‘Sloppy’ England squeeze past South Africa but Sarina Wiegman left with cause for concern

Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton scored in the first half to help England edge to a 2-1 victory over South Africa in Coventry.

England’s fast start was in contrast to their 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday, which saw them three down in the first half-hour. Williamson’s goal on the occasion of her 50th cap gave England reward for their dominance before Clinton slammed home a header to give the Lionesses a two-goal lead heading into the break.

That was as good as it got for the hosts, who took their foot off the gas in the second period. Their defence has been questioned in recent months and they were unable to keep a clean sheet against a side 50th in the FIFA world rankings as Thembi Kgatlana halved the deficit.

‘Sloppy’ England squeeze past South Africa but Wiegman left with concerns

England 2-1 South Africa: Goals from Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton proved enough despite Thembi Kgatlana’s reply

Mike Jones29 October 2024 22:22

USA await

England’s next fixture is against the United States at Wembley on November 30th. Emma Hayes’ side are Olympic champions and are one of the best teams in the world.

This will be the biggest test for the Lionesses in a while and the basic mistakes the players are making will be heavily punished. Work to do in the next month or so.

Mike Jones29 October 2024 22:03

Does Clinton think she’ll start at Euro 2025?

Grace Clinton was asked whether she believed she can cement a starting berth at Euro 2025 next summer. She replied: “Everyone wants to play for England, for their country. I want to keep confident and keep getting goals.”

On starting at Euro 2025 being a target: “Yes, definitely.”

Mike Jones29 October 2024 22:00

Post-match reaction from Grace Clinton

England midfielder Grace Clinton spoke to ITV after the match and said: “It was a tough game, South Africa are a great team. We expected them to be tough and we dealt with their individual qualities.

“It is a good night for me. I’m nice and confident and I’m happy to be there. She [Maya Le Tissier] actually looked up for me and everything. The ball was amazing, it was hard not to finish.

“I think they’re a really tough opposition. Their pace is crazy. We’ll go back and review the game together but it’s positive.”

Mike Jones29 October 2024 21:57