Mead, Russo, Kelly, and Williamson star in England’s 7-0 triumph over Jamaica, a fitting send-off before their Euros campaign.
A sunny summer evening set the tone for this match, with Arsenal’s Leah Williamson captaining the team, full of confidence and enthusiasm on the eve of her first major competition for England since recovering from her ACL injury.
Alessia Russo and Beth Mead also started for the Gunners, while Chloe Kelly, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and Michelle Agyemang sat on the bench.
The Lionesses started the scoring early, with Ella Toone scoring in the tenth minute. England appeared confident, united, and motivated to win their final game at home before the Euros.
In the 21st minute, Jamaica caught the home team off guard with a surprise set piece that found the back of the net. Fortunately for the hosts, VAR ruled the goal out, but it was a warning sign nevertheless.
A beautiful fullback link up saw Jess Carter provide a great ball in, which Lucy Bronze headed into the back of the net, increasing England’s advantage.
Russo made numerous fantastic shots from tough locations, but she was unable to score in the first half. Mead maintained her high work rate and got some opportunities as well. But Toone made it three for England with a goal just before halftime.
The Jamaican counter-attacking pace looked promising at times, but England’s defence, led by Williamson, was able to deal with the threat. The skipper worked nicely with Alex Greenwood, making some beautiful passes and blocks. Along with the powerful and fast Bronze and Carter, the defense appeared competent, indicating a promising showing ahead of next week.
Russo earned an assist in the second half, when her pass to Georgia Stanway set up England’s fourth goal. Shortly after, manager Sarina Weigman made some changes, bringing Kelly onto the field with Lauren James and Esme Morgan.
England continued to assault, with attempts by Mead and Kelly, among others. Russo finally scored in the 71st minute, heading in an easy feed from James, giving the home team a 5-0 lead.
Williamson’s brilliant passes continued, and she occasionally played in a higher position, firing balls into the box in an attempt to produce something more for her team. Weigman made another triple change, the rotation that many England fans had been yearning for: Bronze, Russo, and Walsh were replaced by Niamh Charles, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Grace Clinton, providing an excellent opportunity for other players to get minutes.
Liya Brooks, Jamaica’s goalkeeper, was forced to make a big save after Beever-Jones blasted the ball from six yards out, which was followed by another save on the corner for another Beever-Jones shot. However, it was third time lucky for the Chelsea youngster, as she scored to make it 6-0.
After suffering a worrying-looking injury in extra time, Mead got back up and continued playing, demonstrating her toughness and determination seconds later when she reached the back of the net with one touch from Kelly’s assist, giving England their seventh goal in the last minute.
A great send-off for England as they fly to Switzerland for the Euros, with a 7-0 win, six different goal scorers, and players bubbling with confidence all over the pitch.