England beat Northern Ireland in their final game in Group A in style ahead of the European Championship quarter-finals.
The Lionesses had already booked their place in the quarter-finals prior to their third group game.
The build-up to their contest vs Northern Ireland was disrupted as their head coach Sarina Wiegman tested positive for Covid-19.
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Beth Mead quickly doubled the host nation’s advantage with her fourth goal of the tournament just before half-time before an impressive England eased further clear after the break in front of 30,785 fans in Southampton.
Russo, having replaced Ellen White at half-time, epitomised the impact substitute role, finding the net twice in quick succession soon after the restart.
England’s fifth and final goal came in unfortunate fashion for Northern Ireland, Kelsie Burrows slicing the ball over goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns and into her own net.
A dominant display.#Lionesses | @GoogleCloud_UKI pic.twitter.com/s5YwjEzteC
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 15, 2022
Northern Ireland came into the match having already been eliminated from quarter-final contention, but it was the visitors who had the first chance when Lauren Wade raced down the right and cut inside before drawing a save out of England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
England were soon on the attack themselves though, and looked to have been given a great chance to take the lead when they awarded an early penalty for handball. However, the decision was reviewed by VAR before referee Esther Staubli was called over to the monitor and subsequently overturned her decision for an England handball in the build up.
Northern Ireland managed to keep England at bay in the 16th minute with a block on the line to keep out Beth Mead’s effort before before Burns was equal to Millie Bright’s attempt from distance, diving low to palm the ball behind.
White missed an early chance to level Wayne Rooney’s record for the most England goals when, after being played in by Lucy Bronze in the 25th minute, she dragged the ball just wide of the target after beating the goalkeeper.
That proved to be her best chance of the game before she was taken off as one of three half-time changes.
Kenny Shiels’ side had looked set to reach the interval still on level terms, only for Kirby’s superb placed finish into the top corner of Burns’ net to put the Lionesses ahead in the 40th minute.
Soon after…
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