England signed off their World Cup qualifying campaign with another huge victory, beating Luxembourg 10-0 at the Bet365 Stadium in their first home match since winning the Euros.
There was a celebratory atmosphere in Stoke as the recently-retired Jill Scott brought out the Euro 2022 trophy ahead of the game, with Sarina Wiegman also officially receiving her UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year award from Baroness Sue Campbell.
But once the game began, it was all business from England in what was ultimately a routine win. Georgia Stanway opened things up in the 12th minute, converting from the penalty spot, before Alessia Russo (17) added the second with a headed finish.
Stanway (26) added her second soon after as she fired home from a Beth Mead cut-back, as Rachel Daly (38) and Mead herself rounded off the five first-half goals.
It did not get easier for Luxembourg after half-time as second-half substitute Bethany England (48) slotted home less than three minutes after the restart.
Nikita Parris (59) and Ella Toone (73) both added well-deserved goals, with the latter’s also coming from the spot after England were awarded a second penalty of the game.
But the crowd were eager for double figures – and they had to wait until the final minutes for numbers nine and 10. Lauren Hemp (90) scored on the rebound after goalkeeper Lucie Schlime saved Lucy Bronze’s header. England (90+2) then completed her own double with a powerful header on the stroke of full-time.
It sees the Lionesses complete a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign, with 10 wins, 80 goals scores and none conceded. Half of their victories were double figures, including a record-breaking 20-0 win against Latvia in November 2021.
More to follow…
What’s next?
As it stands, England have two more games in 2022 as they take on the USA in a friendly at Wembley on Friday, October 7, before facing Czech Republic at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday, October 11.