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

England’s quick begin was in distinction to their 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday, which noticed them three down within the first half-hour. Williamson’s purpose on the event of her fiftieth cap gave England reward for his or her dominance earlier than Clinton slammed residence a header to present the Lionesses a two-goal lead heading into the break.

That was nearly as good because it bought for the hosts, who took their foot off the gasoline within the second interval. Their defence has been questioned in latest months they usually had been unable to maintain a clear sheet in opposition to a facet fiftieth within the FIFA world rankings as Thembi Kgatlana halved the deficit.

England have been opened up repeatedly on the counter-attack within the final two matches and that concern will depart Sarina Wiegman with sleepless nights.

When requested about it she mentioned: “We have to hold attempting, hold taking part in soccer, hold taking part in forwards. Simply feeling in the intervening time in transition, they actually jumped on us. Simply speak about it and transfer ahead.”

Listed below are some ideas from England boss Sarina Wiegman. She instructed ITV: “I believed after the primary half it could be extra easy. We performed nicely within the first half, we had some stronger moments. We had been a bit of too sloppy however we created some possibilities from corners.

“We scored an excellent purpose. Second half we bought there however we had been a bit of sloppy. They had been good on the counter-attack and it was laborious for us.”

England’s subsequent fixture is in opposition to the USA at Wembley on November thirtieth. Emma Hayes’ facet are Olympic champions and are among the best groups on this planet.

This would be the greatest take a look at for the Lionesses shortly and the fundamental errors the gamers are making will likely be closely punished. Work to do within the subsequent month or so.

Sarina Wiegman is giving her response to the sport on ITV. There massive factor she’s stressing is how England had been ‘sloppy’ of their efficiency.

Grace Clinton was requested whether or not she believed she will be able to cement a beginning berth at Euro 2025 subsequent summer season. She replied: “Everybody needs to play for England, for his or her nation. I wish to hold assured and hold getting objectives.”

On beginning at Euro 2025 being a goal: “Sure, positively.”

England midfielder Grace Clinton spoke to ITV after the match and mentioned: “It was a tricky recreation, South Africa are an important group. We anticipated them to be robust and we handled their particular person qualities.

“It’s a good night time for me. I’m good and assured and I’m completely happy to be there. She [Maya Le Tissier] really seemed up for me and all the things. The ball was superb, it was laborious to not end.

“I feel they’re a very robust opposition. Their tempo is loopy. We’ll return and overview the sport collectively nevertheless it’s optimistic.”

No extra objectives within the second half for England regardless of bringing on the large weapons. They nonetheless gained the sport however there have been gaping holes and easy errors ample within the Lionesses efficiency.

Heaps for Sarina Wiegman to work on.

90+5 minutes: England have executed it!

They had been made to work laborious within the second half, particularly after the purpose from Kgatlana however their expertise paid off they usually’ve bought the win they had been after.