Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp scored in the first half as England edged to a 2-1 win against an impressive Scotland in their inaugural Nations League tie.
Thirty-three days on from their heartbreak in the World Cup final, the Lionesses were back in action at the Stadium of Light, taking on a Scotland side that were unbeaten in their last six outings.
Rachel Daly thought she had put England ahead, but the goal was ruled out after Chloe Kelly was judged to have obstructed goalkeeper Lee Gibson. However, this was decision made solely by the officials with no VAR in use, and appeared to be a harsh call.
Two quickfire headers from Bronze (39) – with a hint of offside for her goal – and Lauren Hemp (45) saw England into a seemingly commanding lead.
There was a final twist to come in the half however as Aston Villa’s Kirsty Hanson (45+1) poked home Scotland’s reply.
The visitors were the far better side in the second half. Hanson hit the crossbar as Scotland probed for an equaliser, while Tottenham’s Deadline Day signing Martha Thomas also impressed. In fact, most of the squad gave England a tough test as head coach Pedro Martinez Losa continues to hone the talent at his disposal.
Ultimately, the Lionesses were lucky to come away with three points in Group A1. They head to the Netherlands on Tuesday for their next Nations League game, who themselves were beaten 2-1 by Belgium.
More to follow…
What’s next?
England are next in action on Tuesday as they travel to face the Netherlands; kick off 7pm. Scotland are also in action on the same day, facing Belgium; kick-off 7.45pm.
