England's Lionesses Absolutely Smash Belgium!
Wow, what a game! England's Lionesses just completely dominated Belgium in their Nations League match at Ashton Gate, winning 5-0. It was a seriously impressive performance, coming right after their win against Spain. Honestly, they're looking unstoppable heading into the Euros.
A Total Domination
From the kickoff, it was all England. Lucy Bronze got things started with a deflected header – a bit lucky, maybe, but hey, we'll take it! Then Millie Bright slotted one in close range. Alessia Russo had a couple of near misses, hitting the post twice – she was definitely causing havoc up front, though. And then, the subs came on and just *killed* it. Aggie Beever-Jones scored her first ever international goal, and Jess Park added another. And the best part? Keira Walsh, after 83 appearances, finally got her first goal for England! A deflected shot, yes, but who cares?! It was a 5-0 victory sealed with style.
Wiegman's Genius and Injury Worries
Manager Sarina Wiegman was all smiles afterwards, praising the team for keeping things simple and highlighting how well the subs performed. They really injected some fresh energy into the game. But there's a bit of a cloud over the sunshine. Alessia Russo and Lauren James both had to be subbed off with injuries – fingers crossed it's nothing too serious. Plus, Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly will miss the return fixture due to minor knocks. It's a bit worrying, you know? But Wiegman was adamant about England's squad depth and their preparation for the Euros.
The Return Match: A Different Beast?
England heads to Belgium for the return fixture feeling pretty confident, but Wiegman’s keeping everyone grounded. She knows Belgium can counter-attack, and she's emphasizing the importance of staying focused and not getting complacent. It's going to be another exciting match, for sure. But England will be aiming to keep the momentum going and really build towards that Euro campaign.
So, What Did We Learn?
England were absolutely brilliant. Seriously, a 5-0 win speaks volumes. The subs proved England’s incredible depth – what a boost for the team. Keira Walsh finally got that long-awaited first goal – a massive moment for her. The injury concerns are a bit of a worry – keeping our fingers crossed for a quick recovery. Wiegman's tactics were spot on. The whole performance felt like a well-oiled machine.
Overall, the Lionesses’ performance was a testament to their talent and tactical brilliance. While the injury situation is something to keep an eye on, England’s heading into the return leg and the Euros as a strong contender. Let's hope for more of the same – and maybe a few fewer injuries along the way!
