Two obvious defensive errors saw England Women lose 2-0 to Canada in the Lions’ last match before interim coach Hege Riise named his UK squad for this summer’s Olympics in Tokyo.
Riise made six changes from the side that lost to France but it was the visitors who took the lead with one of their first attacks of the game, when Demi Stokes dropped the ball and allowed Evelyne Viens to pinch in and shoot home.
A disappointing night for #Lionesses against an organized Canada site.
Well played, @CanadaSoccerEN. ? pic.twitter.com/HD5j7YU1Yj
– Lionesses (@Lionesses) April 13, 2021
Returning goalkeeper Karen Bardsley failed to clear her lines late and allowed Nichelle Prince to shut her down practically on the line for Canada’s second.
Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Jordan Nobbs were among those who impressed at Stokes bet365 Stadium, but England failed to get on the points side.
Let’s go into the players’ ratings for the Lions.
Stokes after Canada’s initial goal | Marc Atkins / Getty Images
Carly Telford (GK) – 6/10 – Went well to tip Quinn’s long distance drive. Interrupted at half time.
Rachel Daly (RB) – 5/10 – A nice turnaround early but not too much else to report. Playing at right-back does not seem to play Daly’s strengths. Canceled for Lucy Bronze.
Millie Bright (CB) – 6/10 – Led the Lions as captain for the first time. The partnership with Williamson continues with Riise in Steph Houghton’s absence and it was generally good.
Leah Williamson (CB) – 6/10 – Made an important interception very early to stop Canada from entering.
Demi Stokes (LB) – 4/10 – Has not played very recently and that lack of sharpness showed early when she allowed Viens to pinch in front of her and make goal openers. Came out after half an hour for Alex Greenwood in a pre-planned change.
WOODWORK! @ JordanNobbs8? pic.twitter.com/jeXMiIomkW
– Lionesses (@Lionesses) April 13, 2021
Georgia Stanway (CM) – 7/10 – Had some pops from distance and made some decent defensive tackles and tackles. One of England’s better artists.
Jordan Nobbs (CM) – 7/10 – Helped England get back into the game when she saw more of the ball and was close to equalizing when she patted a free kick in the crossbar via goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe’s fingertips.
Fran Kirby (AM) – 5/10 – Some nice moments of connection, especially with Nobbs, though overall could not produce a performance similar in quality to the ones she has pulled out regularly for Chelsea this season and was withdrawn at half-time.
Hemp was impressive on Tuesday night Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Nikita Parris (RW) – 5/10 – Came free to the right a few times but was often handled well by Canada’s retreating defenders. It was not possible to have such a big impact and was taken out for Ellen White.
Bethany England (ST) – 5/10 – Came close to the equalizer but could not really hit a free kick. Girl nodded in the second half but did not get enough power on it.Lauren Hemp (LW) – 8/10 – Be light, especially the early exchanges. England won a few corners, completed some impressive dribbles and looked most likely by England’s strikers to get something to happen in the final third. Created a chance by tackling and running into the box, but was denied by Gille’s recovery challenge.
Alex Greenwood – 5/10
Karen Bardsley – 3/10 – Came on his first appearance in England in 656 days. Clapped at a cross and needed bronze to clean up for her. Wanted too much time to clear late and allowed Nichelle Prince to tackle the ball over the line.
Ella Toone – 6/10 – Added some driving to England’s midfield after her introduction.
Lucy Bronze – 6/10 – Step in to clear when Bardsley misjudged a ball forward. Some good distances.Chloe Kelly – 5/10
Ellen White – Not applicable
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