England cantered to a 6-1 win over Wales in the women's European Championships. Wales made life easy for England, conceding a penalty after 12 minutes. VAR checked to make sure, before Georgia Stanway calmly side-footed the spot-kick to the right of the Wales goalkeeper. England went 2-0 up after 21 minutes through Ella Toone. After some good build-up play, Welsh centre-back Rhiannon Roberts took an air kick, as Arsenal star Alessia Russo got to the ball first and squared the ball to Toone with the goal gaping. Her first effort was blocked on the line, but she made no mistake at the second attempt. It left Wales with a mountain to climb.
Although Wales did force England into a save, they struggled to keep England at bay. Ella Toone made an overlap on the right and crossed in for Lauren Hemp to head in at the back post to make it 3-0. It got even better for England before the break. Toone once again burst down the right and centred to Russo, who took a touch before tapping home from close range.
England had the opportunity to make changes. Russo, who was excellent, was taken off with 30 minutes to go. England were given a further boost when Beth Mead made it five. Turning her marker, she showed her quality in front of goal to crown a comfortable England win. Perhaps the biggest cheer of the night came to Wales. Jess Fishlock drove at the England defence, before laying in Hannah Cain, who smashed home with her left foot. England were not content. Beth Mead broke down the right and crossed for Aggie Beever-Jones, whose downward header found the net.
England v Wales Match Statistics
---
England
77%
24
11
3
0
Match Highlights
Full highlights to follow...
England Player Ratings
Formation: 4-3-3
Georgia Stanway
GK: Hannah Hampton - 6/10
Had to remain focused as England dominated, but was sloppy before half-time with the ball at her feet that should have seen Wales score.
RB: Lucy Bronze - 6/10
Was content to allow her more attacking colleagues get the job done.
CB: Leah Williamson - 6.5
Was a very simple evening for the England captain.
CB: Jess Carter - 6/10
Rarely called upon as England spent much time in Wales' final third.
LB: Alex Greenwood - 6/10
Again showed all her experience as England raced into a commanding lead.
LM: Georgia Stanway - 7.5/10
Showed composure when given the responsibility of the penalty she scored.
CM: Kiera Walsh - 7/10
Once again, full of neat touches as she looked to set the tone.
RM: Ella Toone - 7/10
A little fortunate to get two bites at the cherry for her goal, but put in a great run and cross for Hemp to make it 3-0.
RW: Lauren James - 7/10
Looked sharp without needing to be at her very best.
CF: Alessia Russo - 8/10 - Player of the Match
Showed great awareness to lay England's goal up on a plate for Ella Toone. Got a deserved goal.
LW: Lauren Hemp - 7/10
Always looked dangerous and made her goal look easy.
SUB: Jess Park - 6/10
Given some vital minutes as England ran away with it.
SUB: Beth Mead - 7/10
Showed great feet to gain a yard before scoring England's fifth.
SUB: Chloe Kelly - 6/10
Brought on as England were coasting to victory.
SUB: Aggie Beever-Jones - 6.5/10
Like Park, was given some vital minutes with England well in control. Scored a goal with a well-taken header.
SUB: Niamh Charles - 5/10
Brought on for Lucy Bronze for the final 10 minutes.
Wales Player Ratings
Formation: 4-2-3-1
wales' Rachel Rowe
GK: Olivia Clark - 5/10
A little slow off her line for England's second goal during a night for the Welsh
RB: Esther Morgan - 5/10
Gave it a go, but like her defensive colleagues, this was a game too far for Wales.
CB: Rhiannon Roberts - 5/10
Will not want to see a replay of England's second goal, when the defender made a mess of a clearance.
CB: Gemma Evans - 5/10
Had to take her medicine as England cut Wales to ribbons in the first half.
LB: Lily Woodham - 5/10
Endured a torrid first half as Ella Toone caused havoc on England's right flank.
DM: Rachel Rowe - 5/10
Was given a heavy workload, mostly without the ball.
DM: Angharad James-Turner - 5/10
Was left exposed with her colleague Rowe.
RW: Carrie Jones - 5/10
Conceded the penalty to get the ball rolling for England.
AM: Jess Fishlock - 6.5/10
Should have done better when Hampton presented her with the ball, but set up the Wales goal with a great ball.
LW: Ceri Holland - 5/10
Very challenging evening for the Liverpool midfielder.
CF: Ffion Morgan - 5/10
Starved of any real service as Wales simply could not retain possession.
SUB: Josie Green - 5/10
The game was long gone when she came on.
SUB: Hayley Ladd - 5/10
Given a 25-minute run out as England saw out the win.
SUB: Hannah Cain - 6.5/10
Scored with a great finish to give Wales a consolation goal.
SUB: Elise Hughes - 5/10
A late sub for the Welsh in the final 10 minutes.
SUB: Kayleigh Barton - 5/10
Brought on in the final few moments.