England 5-1 Italy: Lionesses comfortably beat Italians in friendly match

Lauren Hemp’s double helped England to a routine victory over Italy in a friendly match played in Spain.

Italy got one back on the stroke of half-time through Michela Cambiaghi when England gave away possession.

But England continued to dominate as substitutes Ella Toone and Rachel Daly extended their lead in the second half.

It was a comfortable victory for the Lionesses to end a successful warm weather training camp in Spain, but Italy were presented some good chances from defensive errors, which manager Sarina Wiegman will be keen to wipe out.

Goalscorer Cambiaghi dragged a shot wide after Mary Earps’ clearance fell straight to Sofia Cantore, and the Italian forward was gifted a chance in the first half when Niamh Charles’ back pass was played straight to her.

However England, who had five changes to the side from their 7-2 win over Austria, created plenty going forward and were never in danger of losing their lead.

Hemp told ITV afterwards: “It was a very good performance. I thought we were very dominant in possession. We were unfortunate to concede.

“I’ve really enjoyed the camp. The squad is in a great place and we’re full of confidence. It’s great for us to take into the next games and the [Euro 2025] qualifiers.”

England show attacking threat again

This was another strong attacking display to complete what England hope will be beneficial preparation for Euro 2025 qualification.

Hemp was lively again, as she was in the first half against Austria on Friday, and was rewarded with her two goals – the first a fortunate ricochet off Aurora Galli’s clearance, the second a looping header.

Wubben-Moy, given a rare opportunity at centre-back, flicked in a smart header from a corner to give England an instant lead and, from that point, the Lionesses were in control.

On Wubben-Moy’s first goal for England, Wiegman said: “I think she’s definitely taken a step forward because she’s developing a lot. That’s what we see weekly at Arsenal and she shows it here too. What you can see is the competition in positions is really high.”

Chloe Kelly recovered from the knock that kept her out of Friday’s squad and she caused problems with her deliveries, while Grace Clinton looked at home in just her second appearance in midfield following an impressive debut against Austria.

Changes in defence no doubt played a part in some of England’s needless errors but, after conceding two set-piece goals on Friday, Wiegman will be a little concerned at the ease in which Italy were able to regain possession in the opposition half.

Cambiaghi had several chances and forced a strong save from Earps after the Manchester United goalkeeper also kept out Cantore.

But England’s attacking prowess was far too much for Italy as Lauren James’ introduction off the bench added even more threat, which Toone and Daly took advantage of.

Toone was teed up by James for a well-placed volley in the second half, before Daly pounced on a poor backpass to round the goalkeeper and slot in England’s fifth goal.

On the whole, it has been a very pleasing week for Wiegman, who has rotated players, given opportunities to England’s youngsters, and has been given some indication of where her side can improve before April’s Euro 2025 qualifiers.