England Edge Past Scotland in Inaugural Nations League Tie

MohamedALi

posted on 11 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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England Edge Past Scotland in Inaugural Nations League Tie

Sarina Wiegman acknowledged it would be difficult for England to maintain their physical freshness for their inaugural Nations League match less than one month after their World Cup final heartbreak, yet her side ultimately triumphed.

Sectarianism has long been part of Scottish football, yet despite ongoing efforts to educate fans on its conflicts it still resurfaces at times.

Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp scored in the first half.

At first glance, England's attacking options were exciting to witness from the outset. Georgia Stanway quickly measured up her goalkeeper; Chloe Kelly weaved around opponents; even Lucy Bronze showed unexpected creativity by backheeling into space for Georgia Stanway and Chloe Kelly to score goals.

Katie Zelem's exceptional delivery provides space for Hemp to head the ball home from close range and score Sarina Wiegman's side their first goal! That was an ideal way to open proceedings!

Hemp's effort was blocked on the line, with Rachel Daly having an opportunity to equalise but her header being well off target. Toone replaced Hemp and received a warm reception from home fans.

Rachel Daly thought she had put England ahead.

Once met with initial skepticism, the Nations League quickly won over support. Replacing friendly matches with competitive fixtures against teams of similar ranking, while offering incentives like promotion/relegation.

Rachel Daly was an unexpected selection in Sarina Wiegman's World Cup squad, but has made an impactful contribution. Hailing from Harrogate, Rachel quickly made the adjustment to playing further forward under Phil Neville and is becoming a key member of the Lionesses under their direction.

Lauren Hanson pulled one back for Scotland.

England's World Cup finalist Lionesses made an impressive start to their Nations League campaign at the Stadium of Light with two goals scored by Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp in the first half. However, Scotland came back quickly through Kirsty Hanson on half time to equalise and eventually draw level with England 2-2.

Sarina Wiegman's side made an early statement with their dominance of the first period thanks to Aston Villa forward, Olivia Gardner. Katie Zelem's cross found Gardner, who made an impactful header past Lee Gibson to seal victory for Sarina Wiegman's team.

After half-time, the hosts thought they had their third goal but Rachel Daly's attempt was disallowed for offside due to Chloe Kelly in the build-up. WSL golden boot winner Marliese Henning nearly scored again late on but her volley was blocked by Scotland defender Alex Greenwood.

Chloe Kelly’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Early in the second half, the hosts take control, with Kelly showing impressive skill to evade two defenders on the edge of her box before firing past Gibson; unfortunately it was disallowed due to offside.

An even and uneventful period now as both teams strive to maintain possession without creating clear-cut chances. Former Manchester United duo Hanson and Thomas pose threats from either flank, with Hanson's long-range shot hitting off the crossbar while Thomas hammers home his long shot from distance.

Sarina Wiegman makes her inaugural substitution, replacing Kelly with Ella Toone of Liverpool wingers Ella Toone seems to have found her rhythm and can create problems for Scotland's defense, nearly setting up Daly but her cross is overhit.

Rachel Weir had a chance to level.

UEFA's Nations League was introduced as an antidote to meaningless friendly matches, rewarding teams that finish top of each group in each division with promotion. Furthermore, it offers alternative qualification routes for both the World Cup and European Championships: teams which fail to qualify through traditional routes can now enter playoff systems as an avenue of qualification.

Chloe