England captain Leah Williamson scored but also made an error that led to a South Africa goal in a friendly victory in Coventry.

It was an important win for England, who were beaten 4-3 by Germany on Friday, but defensive errors remained.

Williamson, who only returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January, has struggled for form this season and was under scrutiny.

She was one of three players who kept her place in Sarina Wiegman's side, and gave the perfect response when she opened the scoring in the first half.

But it was a mixed evening for the Lionesses' captain as it was her loose pass to midfielder Georgia Stanway which set up Thembi Kgatlana's goal in the second half for South Africa.

It was a moment that made England's night a little less comfortable, having gone 2-0 up when Grace Clinton headed in Maya le Tissier's cross.

However, Wiegman's much-changed side showed plenty of creativity and confidence going forward, despite ongoing difficulties at the back.

Tottenham's Jess Naz - making her first England start - got an assist, while Manchester City's Jess Park was busy and assured.

Chloe Kelly, struggling for game time at City this season, showed her desire to regain her place in the starting XI and hit the crossbar in the second half.

On the whole it was a disjointed performance given all the changes, but will give Wiegman food for thought, and highlighted further that England must improve defensively before next summer's Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1034 HRS, OCT 30, 2024
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