International Matches

England U19 v Austria U19, Womens U19 Euros, 05.04.25

Hatty Ruddick

In their fight to pass the group stages, England's Young Lionesses face the Austria U19s. Austria who have won 3 out their last 5 matches match England in form who have also won 3 out of the last 5, but have lost 2 compared to Austria's 1 loss and 1 draw. However, England have played more recently than Austria, winning 6-0 against Belgium just 3 days ago. 

England Starting 11: Cox, Las, Ward, Harbert, Newell, Reid, Baker, Potter, Agyemang, Brown, Lia

Austria Starting 11:Ritter, Gutmann, Albrecht, Spinn, Ziletkina, Illinger, Spiess, Satra, Rapf, Sisic, Krassnig

England take early possession. Cox does well to stop early lapses in the home defence. However, the first goal comes from England. Baker puts England on the score sheet at 5 minutes. 

England 1 - 0 Austria. 

Attempts continue to come from England in the following minutes leading to a corner. Well taken by Brown leading to the second goal from captain Newell. 

England 2 - 0 Austria. 

Austria's chance comes at 13 minutes with a corner that translates into their goal. Gutmann brings Austria to the score sheet. 

England 2 - 1 Austria

England are not giving up- they are determined to gain back their 2 goal lead with repeated attempts. Ultimately Ritter is too strong in her skill. Cox does well to prevent an attempt from Albrecht. Austria are equally as persistent in their attempts, with notable attempts from Krassnig. In terms of play both teams are fairly equal in effort. While England are dominating in possession and attempts. A strong attempt comes from Agyemang until Ritter saves it. Austria are not laying down low though by any means. After a strong run from Lia, the 2 goal advantage returns. No defenders for Austria are in sight as she gets the third!

England 3 - 1 Austria.

A really strong first half for the young lionesses with three goals, dominated possession and attempts. Austria need to step up in the next half. 

No changes for the second half. Both teams continue to show potential, but in the first few minutes of the second half, England are still showing to be the stronger team. Cox is strategic at 51 minutes as she knocks an Austrian goal out with her finger tips. Spinn and Spiess continue to attempt the goal, but just cannot translate. However Agyemang can! England make it 4! Great play by England. 

England 4 - 1 Austria. 

The tension is getting to the Austrian players while things momentarily become scrappy on the pitch. England are doing well to  keep their cool. Medics are brought on for Albrecht. She is okay to continue to play. Medics are quickly back on, this time for Las. She continues to play. In her return to play, she excels in defence. However, Las, Brown, Baker come off for Maltby, Parkinson and Gale. Spinn comes off for Reiterer. Sisic is off for Breznick. Medics come on again this half for goal scorer Gutmann with what looks to be a knee injury. She is okay to continue. The Austrian medics are kept busy and are back on- this time for Rapf who is quick to return to play. 

Changes for Austria. Rapf off for Keckeis. Krassnig off for Fankhauser. As the changes happen Gale gets a gorgeous goal for England. An open goal with poor defence from Austria. 

England 5 -1 Austria. 

Goal scorers Lia and Agyemang are off for Thompson and Murphy. Ziletkina is off for Adamu. Adamu has been a real stand out sub in these last few minutes. It is a question why she was not brought on earlier as she could of had a real impact. Talking of super subs- Gale has an impressive run and almost assist that goes slightly wide in 90+2. 

Overall in this half, England have continued to be strategic and play well. Austria's play has lapsed with repeated stops for medics to come onto the pitch and giving away the ball too easily. It is clear that this is a team that have not played together since 2024. Today's match has been extremely positive for the young lionesses with a lot to learn for Austria. 

Manchester City v St Polten, Champion's League, 12.12.24

Hatty Ruddick

Already qualified Manchester City face St Polten, but this time at home in their penultimate group stage match of the 2024-2025 Champion's League. Manchester City will be looking to win this match to leave them still at the top of the table until their final match of the group stage against Barcelona. St Polten, however, at this stage with no chance of progression into the next stage will be hoping to win this game to save face. Having narrowly lost to Manchester City at home two months ago 2-3, they will want revenge tonight in the cold Joie stadium. This season looks to be a repeat from the last time that the English side faced St Polten in 2017, where both teams were in the same group. Manchester City made it to the semi-finals and lost out to Lyon who won that year. St Polten did not make it out of the knock out stages. 

Starting 11 Manchester City- Yamashita, Casparij, Kennedy, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Park, Hasegawa, Blindkilde-Brown, Fujino, Fowler, Murphy (in her first start)

Starting 11 St Polten-Melike Pekel, Brunnthaler, Mikolajcvá, Hillebrand, K. Dubcová, D'Angelo, Touon, Balog, Johanning, Mattner, Schlüter

City start with possession, but it is quickly lost to the away side. An early foul is won by Blindkilde-Brown leading to a free kick and an early missed chance for Fujino. City win the ball back and are going for the early goal. Murphy has her own attempt in her first senior start for City at 5 minutes that is saved by Schlüter. Murphy is making her arrival clear and known. In the first 10 minutes, play has rarely left City's side. It feels like a home goal is coming and soon. Park has a fantastic run towards goal and loses it in a pass to try for an assist. A missed opportunity there for the young Lioness. She goes for goal a minute later, but Schlüter saves it. This is repeated with Greenwood having an attempt until she tries to pass and Touon prevents it. City need to start being selfish and taking chances rather than going for the assist. While the chances and possession is there, City are lacking vision so far this game. Attempts are being missed with a lack of determination in the box. However, the away side are not seeing the ball at all. 

This changes with a second and third attempt from Murphy. Schlüter is single-handedly keeping St Polten in this game. It is the younger players giving City a chance tonight with Blindkilde-Brown going for an attempt also. Pekel eventually shows some light for the visitors, winning the ball and passing with Mattner to win a corner for the away side. Hillebrand has the first attempt for St Polten that goes behind the goal. While City are guaranteed qualification to the next round, there is a future-proofing need to win tonight. This game feels too relaxed and without a strategic vision to score and win. 

Greenwood after a clash with Pekel goes down and immediately calls on medics. This does not look good and it is a knee injury. She is taken off in a stretcher. She is replaced with Aleixandri. 

At WOSO Sidelines, we wish Alex Greenwood the best with what looks like a nasty injury.

As the game continues, St Polten start to gain more possession. City win a free kick as Hillebrand holds Fujino by the neck, but this leads to a missed St Polten attempt. Hillebrand then fouls Ouahabi. There is a question as to why she isn't being booked by Bastos. City come really close to scoring with a run from Fujino and an attempt from Ouahabi that goes wide. Corner for City. Fowler takes the corner that goes directly over the goal. 

Half-time comes. 0-0. 

The second half begins. Change for St Polten. Dubcovà off for Meyer. Fujino is working hard in the early minutes creating chances for City, that they need to be taking. She takes an attempt at 47 minutes directly into Schlüter's hands. Polten have their chance with Mikolajová going for goal with Casparij preventing the chance. 

City get their chance. Lily Murphy on her first senior scores for City with Fujino assisting. 

Manchester City 1 - 0 St Polten. 

Change for St Polten. Pekel off for Zver. 

Casparij almost makes it 2-0 with a header that goes wide at 60 minutes. She has another shot a minute later after a fantastic run from Fujino until it is blocked by Balog. Murphy has another go at goal and goes slightly wide. City have taken 57 minutes, but they have showed up to this match now. Then Casparij makes it! Her first ever City goal. 

Manchester City 2 - 0 St Polten

A free kick for City at 69 minutes after Mattner fouls Murphy. Fowler takes. 

Changes for St Polten. Hillebrand off for Meyer. Mattner off for Schumacher. 

Murphy tries to make it 3, but goes wide. With City down on forwards due to injury, Lily Murphy is making. case to get into the starting 11 as a regular until the forwards are back and fit, and she is doing well at it. St Polten are becoming more aggressive in their defence, however it is not working to their favor at the moment. 

Changes for City. Ouahabi off for Prior. Casparij off for Thomas. It is looking like Taylor is resting two strong players for the upcoming WSL match against Everton now having lost Greenwood certainly for the weekend. 

Change for St Polten. Brunnthaler off for Gilbo. 

In what could be the last attempt of the match Park has a shot that goes almost out of the staidum that it is that high. City are now playing like a team with the confidence that the team at the top of the table above Barcelona should be. They are proving now that they can do this without the star players of Miedema, Hemp, Shaw, Kelly and Greenwood. St Polten, however, are trying to stay afloat. 

After Aleixandri is fouled and wins a free kick, there seems to be an on pitch argument between St Polten players. Whilst this is in German, voices can be heard from the press box and tensions on the pitch in the away team seem high. This tension spreads to the fans when Fujino is not awarded a penalty in a scuffle with St Polten defence. 

Eventually, a convincing win for City. Manchester City 2 - 0 St Polten. 

U23 England v U23 Sweden, WU23 Euros 02.12.24

Hatty Ruddick

The Young Lionesses head to Yorkshire to face a familiar side in Sweden, hoping to gain a top two finish in their group for the WU23 Euros Competition. Having beat Sweden last year 3-1, the under 23s will be hoping to secure qualification to the next round tonight. 

England Starting 11: Keating, Herron, Denton, Mcloughlin, Goldie, Silcock, Robinson, Kendall, Enderby, Brasero, Goodwin.

Sweden Starting 11: Hjern, Ostlund, Reidy, Selerud, Pelgander, Leidhammar, Wangerheim, Duljan, Bergström, Cato, Sandberg

The game starts with an early save from Keating who has recently returned to the U23 squad after a spell with the seniors.  England respond by bringing the by rushing the ball up the pitch. Sweden are strong at bringing the ball put of play to  interrupt the flow. Kendall puts an end to that with a strong goal at 3 minutes. 

England 1 - 0 Sweden. 

Sweden's pattern of bringing the ball out continues. This tactic seems to be  when the defence is struggling to capture England's strong runs towards goal.  Sweden try to make an early addition to the score line, but the English defence is strong.  Robinson is showing her passion tonight having scraps with Sandberg, but it is absolutley working in her favor as England are dominating these early minutes in possession and  successful passes.  Both teams need to channel this passion with three fouls in the space of two minutes from both teams with multiple players on the floor and the ref stopping play.  A notable fall from Duljan stops play after  originally continuing play. She is okay to continue. 

Swedish possession starts to become heavy 15 minutes in. They are determined for this goal. Reidy goes for the goal, but it is well defended by  Goldie.  Soon after Ostlund comes close to a goal that is slightly wide. Keating was in a perfect position and this would have likely been saved had it been on target. If England want a secure qualification to the next round tonight they need to pick up. A free kick for England won and taken by Kendall comes close to the second goal, but it is slightly too high. So far tonight, Herron is defending fantastically and thwarts an attempt from Sweden at 22 minutes. Keating is being kept busy tonight with another shot that goes wide. Sweden are vying for this goal and it comes at 23 minutes from Reidy. 

England 1 - 1 Sweden

Mcloughlin tries to win it back for England, but is stopped in her tracks. England have got their motivation back and are once again winning the possession race. They are working for this goal and Brasero comes close until Hjern saves her attempt. Selerud pushes Robinson off the pitch at 32 minutes winning England a free kick at the corner flag. Kendall takes directly into Hjern's hands. Silcock goes for goal, but goes wide. Sweden continue in their aggressive style of play, however, it is not working in their favour with free kicks continually going in their home side's way. 

Robinson tries to finish the half at 2-1, but her attempt is saved by Hjern. The Swedish goal keeper seems determined to not repeat her mistake from 3 minutes in. Silcock is doing her work at the other edn of the pitch with fantastic defence against Sandberg and Leidhammar. She's making Keating's job easier at the end of the 45 minutes. 

With 1 minute added time, Herron seems to be having problems for the second time in the game. She has been a star player of this half, making an impact in all ends of the pitch, but she is down once again, this time with her ankle and medics are on. There needs to be a consideration at half time for her wellbeing about staying on. 

The half ends with an equal score line. 

The second half begins with English possession. No changes for either side. The first attempt of this half comes from Brasero, who has a great attempt going slightly wide at 48 minutes. Sweden are quick to come back up the pitch, but Denton prevents any danger. This doesn't last long as Sweden take the lead at 53 minutes with an own goal from Keating in an attempt to save.

England 1 - 2 Sweden

Play is paused and medics are on at 56 minutes for a Swedish injury. Play quickly continues. 

Just before the changes, medics are on for Silcock. Change for England. Godfrey, Grant and Simpson are on for goal scorer Kendall, Herron and Goodwin. After her injury, Silcock is off for Bourne. Silcock is seriously injured with over 10 medics on the pitch and two stretchers. Play has been paused for over 10 minutes. 

Play continues at 8.35 after pausing at 8.21. WOSO Sidelines Reports wishes Hannah Silcock the best. 

Keating comes in with a great save at 78 minutes and gets the ball to the other side of the pitch quickly. She repeats this at 81 minutes, rectifying her earlier error. Hjern is also rectifying her concession early on with some great saves in this half. 

Change for Sweden. Pelgander is off for Eriksson. Duljan goes for the third, but is stopped by Keating. Godfrey also tries for a second, but Hjern stops her. England will be hoping for two goals in the 14 minutes added time. 

Changes for England and Sweden. Goodwin is on for Enderby and Nildén is on for Bergström. Goodwin gets straight on and tries for an attempt but is stopped by mutiple Swedish defenders. 

Brasero receives a yellow for a nasty foul on Duljan. Free kick taken by Reidy. Godfrey and Goodwin make their presence in this game known with a fantastic attempt at 96 minutes that is slightly wide. This was particularly unfortunate after a fantastic run from Godfrey. In the final 5 minutes Bourne makes another great attempt, that is too high. England want this equaliser, but it may be too late. 

Change for England in the final minutes. Gunning-Williams is on for Brasero. 

England are awarded a late penalty at the time they need it most. Taken by Robinson, but saved by Hjern. 

An unfortunate night for the young Lioneses, who played a good game, but in both Swedish goals were unlucky tactically with small fumbles that cost them greatly in goals. Both teams played extremely well, but Sweden remained too strong in their defence. 

England 1 - 2 Sweden.

Manchester City v Barcelona. Champions League Group Stages 09.10.24

Hatty Ruddick

In the first group stage match for current champions of Europe Barcelona and qualifying side Manchester City, the two heavy names in womens' football meet at the Joie stadium. This is a match of returns with Ellie Roebuck returning to the Joie stadium since moving to the Spanish side this summer, and return of another former Blue Keira Walsh. Captain Alex Greenwood will be looking to prove that she can once again win the Champions League, but on home soil with her new permanent Captain's Armband. The last time that Manchester City went up against the champions, Barcelona beat them with an aggregate score of 4-2 in 2020-2021 which was the last time that City qualified for the quarter finals, meaning a straight knock-out for the Mancunians. They will be looking to change their luck tonight after such a strong start in the qualifiers. 

Starting 11 for Manchester City: Yamashita, Layzell, Aleixandri, Greenwood, Miedema, Fowler, Hemp, newly crowned Ethihad player of the month Park, Casparij, Shaw and Hasegawa. 

Starting 11 for Barcelona: Cata Coll, María León, Graham, Alexia, Patri, Aitana, Rolfö, Pajor, Walsh, O. Batlle, Engen.

Barca start off strong with early possession, but an early tackle from Hemp shows determination to not let the Spanish rule the Joie tonight. An early attempt from Barcelona is saved by Yamashita. City are fighting back, trying to keep the ball in their side, but ultimately Barcelona’s defence is strong, and they go for a second attempt, again being saved. Yamashita looks to have a shift tonight.

There are two minutes where City have multiple attempts from Hemp, Bunny, Fowler and Park in quick succession, but none are finished. Fowler takes the corner at 7 minutes, and it doesn’t translate, going out of play. An impressive run from Park at the goal kick looks to almost make it, but she slightly misses. The FCB Femme defence and ex-Blue Walsh is proving too strong for City in the first 10 minutes. Barcelona have their shot, which is cleared by Aleixandri.

Miedema makes a run and pass to Hemp that is declared offside. This happens again after a pass from Greenwood to Hemp, much to the anger and confusion of City fans and players alike. Puetas makes a strong attempt soon after that is a straight save by Yamashita. Hemp and Miedema fight back with an attempt that is cleared. Soon after a scuffle ends in a prevented corner and a yellow to Aleixandri.  A third offside in five minutes is called, yet again involving Hemp. Hemp tries to redeem this with the best attempt from City yet, but hitting the post.

Miedema has a chance, but sloppily doesn’t take it. While the beginning of this game has been dominant with City attempts, they are not translating and they should be. Barcelona take advantage of this, especially when Yamashita comes out of goal. It is eventually cleared by Aleixandri and Greenwood. Miedema tries to go again with a header into goal, but misses yet again. Bunny is called offside for a fourth time. While City are leading in possession and attempts, they are making easy mistakes to rectify. This half feels like it is City attempt after City attempt, with another from Bunny that is saved.

Fowler takes the second corner which ends in a foul on Batlle. The speed of Hemp is proving valuable for City, as while she is not scoring, she is creating chances with her speed alone. Barcelona do not need to worry yet however, as defensively they are incredible tonight. However, they are eventually called offside. In a tackle Bunny and María León end in a fall with a significant time spent fixing a ponytail. A yellow is given to María León with Fowler taking the free kick. Greenwood has her attempt at goal, going straight into Cata Coll’s hands.

City fans start to get to their feet as Park goes for goal, but slightly goes wide. This was a serious attempt that needs to get Barca worried. Soon after Naomi Layzell scores for City! 1 – 0 to the home side! Her first City goal.

Soon after Shaw goes down in a tackle and medics are on. She is back up in just under 2 minutes and playing again. Barcelona try to pull it back, with an attempt from Aitana that goes straight to Yamashita. They are called offside soon after. 2 minutes additional time will be good news to Barcelona as it is called in their side. However, the ball quickly ends up on the other side of the pitch with a foul on Batlle and an attempt from Fowler, it is clear both teams need to rest. The half finished with a free kick from the away side that doesn’t translate.

1-0 half-time to City.

The second half starts with no changes for either team. After a really strong start from City, Barcelona need to redeem themselves. Casparij goes down after a tackle with Graham who is awarded a yellow. A free kick for City does not translate after Miedema heads the wrong way. City are not giving up on a 1 point lead and continue to go for goal. Barcelona need to decide when they are stepping up their game. They go for an attempt that is cleared by City defence. City are putting in the effort in their defence in this half. A Barcelona corner goes over the top of the goal and the home side are forced to protect their lead. 

This half becomes a reverse of the first half with Barca attempt after Barca attempt that are not translating. Yamashita is proving her worth tonight and is a contender for player of the match at this point. City's defence is proving strong as Barcelona make a change. Engen is off for Pina. 

The Spanish side are looking more tactical in this half, with City fighting for a chance. However, when the Blues do get on the ball it is impactful. In a tackle Park does foul, giving Barcelona a free kick. The game has completely reversed. If it wasn't for Yamashita's brilliant goal keeping, the home side would be very down. It is clear why Taylor is starting Yamashita at the moment. Barcelona make another change, Rolfo is off for Brugts. 

A Spanish corner causes concern, but it is cleared by blue defence. City pull it back as Bunny scores. 2-0 to City!

City make a change, Park is off for Roord- making her UWCL debut for City. Fowler is off for Fujino. 

Medics are on the pitch for Aleixandri, who looks to have a leg injury. 

Changes for Barca in the last 10 minutes, Putellas is off for Pardes. Bonmati is off for Lopez. Walsh is off for Nazareth. Aleixandri is back on after the changes. City are determined to make it a third in the last few minutes, and Barcelona try to make it theirs, but neither translate. 

Aleixandri is off for Kennedy in the last couple of minutes of normal time. She will get at least 8 minutes of game time, as 6 minutes are added to the end. 

Despite mutiple chances, the Champions of Europe are not getting this goal. The home advantage tonight is clear. In a nasty tackle, Layzell looks to have hurt her ankle and medics are on. She is taken off the pitch for treatment as play continues. Layzell is carried of the side by medics as City continue with 10 players for a considerable amount of time. 

City win 2-0!

Manchester City v Paris FC Champions League Qualifier Round 2, 26.09.24

Hatty Ruddick

In the first game at the Joie stadium of the season and the first home game of the Champions League campaign for City. The blues are looking to retain their record so far having beat Paris FC away 5 – 0.

The starting line-up for the home side is as follows Keating, Layzell, Aleixandri, Greenwood, Fowler, Kelly, Kennedy, Park, Brown, Shaw, Hasegawa. A lot of big games are looking like they are being rested ahead of the first home WSL game this season on Sunday.

For the away side; Nnadozie, Ould Hocine, Bogaert, Corboz, Bourdieu, Mateo, Le Mouël, Thiney, Greboval, Bussy and Davis.

Aside from a momentary security concern with the automatic fire alarm going off the game starts on a chilly night at the Joie to the tune of Blue Moon. An early foul on Greenwood gives City a free kick. An early goal for City at 2 minutes with Kelly starting on the score sheet.

Greenwood is once again attacked with the referee checking on her welfare pausing the game which leads to Keating stopping Paris making their debut goal of this Champions League campaign. Paris are trying to assert their dominance with a nasty attack bringing the blues to the floor leading to a third City free kick in 5 minutes. Paris have their free kick a minute later after a scuffle with Paris captain Thiney, but City remain strong in their press.

Kelly tries to give another serious attempt that ultimately proves too weak. Paris are being rough tonight in Manchester with Park falling to the floor and rolling over, winning the home side yet another free kick. Paris have turned their defence on at 9 minutes, which may be too late for this French side, but it needs to be stronger with another near miss goal from Kelly that slightly misses the mark leading to a home corner.

Paris have their first serious attempt at 12 minutes that ends up behind the goal. The corner is taken by Thiney and is cleared by Kelly. Paris go again, but before an attempt is made, they are called offside. The game is being dominated by City, but Paris are absolutely having their moments. Brown gives an impressive tackle on the Parisians, but the game is still heavy on City possession.

At 21 minutes there is a foul on Aleixandri which does not result in a card despite the outcry from the City fans. The game quickly restarts with a free kick. Kelly goes again with an attempt that goes too high. For a moment it does look like that Paris will have their attempt, but Hasegawa clears this. Bourdieu goes for another attempt; however Greenwood stops this easily. City are not making this easy for the French. This is particularly harder at 30 minutes when Bunny scores again for City making it 2 – 0.

City change things up, taking off captain Greenwood, replacing her with Casparij, arguably City’s star player from the weekend with 10 minutes to go in the first half. With two members of the leadership team on the pitch Aleixandri takes the armband.

Paris try to end the half with an attempt that is once again declared offside. Instead City are awarded a corner a minute later which is well cleared by Paris. In a late tackle by Fowler, Ould Hocine goes down but no free kick is awarded much to French disappointment. In retaliation, Paris go for goal  with an attempt from Mateo that ultimately hits the post in the last attempt of this half.

First half: City 2 – 0 Paris FC

Substitutions at half-time: Park and Hasegawa off, Fujino and Coombs on. Mateo and Davies off, Garbino and Sissoko on.

Paris are awarded a corner at 50 minutes that is cleared by a strong run from Fujino. The beginning of the second half is allowing Paris to come into their own, but a messy corner and an offside run does not go in their favour. Throughout the match Kennedy is utilising the art of a slow pass and a slow run to pass time keeping City afloat as Paris have played stronger than they did in the first half thus far.

Injecting more energy in, Bourdieu leaves the pitch for Dufour. The Paris defence is straight onto Kelly as she tries to turn the score sheet into 3. A foul against Bunny by Sissoko right by the goal leads to a penalty and a goal for Bunny. 3-0. Making their fourth swap of the game, Taylor brings off captain Aleixandri for Prior. Coombs is now captain. Paris take this chance to change off their captain Thiney for Korošec.

Kennedy is given a yellow card at 69 minutes by a foul on Bussy that brings medics on. There seems to be a disagreement between Paris and the referee Augustyn prior to the free kick that is taken to no reward. Shortly after Kennedy goes down and looks to be limping. She is quickly back in play. Paris respond with an attempt, but cannot seem to get on side this evening with Dufour being declared offside.

A change is in store for City with double goal scorer Bunny coming off for Murphy making her mark in one of her first Senior City games after joining the City Academy in 2022. The next few minutes are filled with scuffles eventually resulting in Murphy receiving a yellow card in her first minute and Greboval getting her yellow a minute later for fouls.

Paris enter the last 7 minutes by making a change; Le Mouël is off for Hunter. City try to make a final mark with an attempt that goes so high that the ball actually leaves the stadium. Murphy tries again with an attempt that is stopped by such a rough tackle that without referee intervention Murphy and Hunter would have been in a wrestling match rather than a football match. Kelly takes a corner in the final few minutes that is cleared. City are not giving up yet. And they have time with 4 minutes of added time. Paris try to utilise this, with an attempt that goes behind the goal. Paris are determined to not be goalless in their campaign to no avail.

The game ends 3 – 0 to City. City qualify for the Champions League group stage.

U19 England v U19 Serbia, U19 Euros, 17.07.24

Hatty Ruddick

Since winning their first Euros match 10-0 against Lithuania, the Young Lionesses are now facing Serbia in their next group stage match, who lost 3-1 to France previously. 

The starting line up for England is Cox, Rabjohn, Akpan, Newell, Aspin, Potter, Agyemang, Godfrey (C), Worsey, Lia, Dennis.

The starting line up for Serbia is Aleksić, Gaković, Stojić, Matijević, Sarić, Gajić, Ilić, Čingelić, Uvalin, Matejić (C), Stokić.

England are dominating the start of the match, managing to get past a confused Serbian midfield with both teams running many yards up and down the pitch in the early minutes. Strong start for both teams. While Serbia have been strong in getting the ball to the penalty area, English defence has impressed. It is clear that this will not be another Lithuania. 

A tackle between Cinvilec and Godfrey leads to a free kick and an attempt from Aspin for England. Good attempt, just slightly off-target. Soon after Dennis goes down after a fair challenge from Serbia. Medics are on for her. After a few minutes Dennis is back on, while looking to be in discomfort. 

Serbia have their first attempt from Matijvić which is saved well by England. 

England win a corner that goes into the post for a second corner. Both taken by Lia. Aspin goes for an attempt that is saved on the line by Serbian Suric. Serbia then warn England off with their second attempt which is missed again. Soon after Matijvić goes down with a knee injury. She is soon back on.

Matijvić proves she is okay with an attempt that is saved after a foul on Rabjohn brings medics on again for a third time in 25 minutes. Rabjohn goes off on a stretcher, Brown comes on. England respond with an attempt from Agyemang that goes over. 

Potter impresses with a strong tackle that allows captain Godfrey to have an attempt that just gets cleared by opposing captain Matijvić. England responds with a second attempt from Potter that is saved. England are dominating the number of attempts and are showing to be the stronger team as Serbia concede a foul. Matijvić goes for a goal that should of gone in that just misses. 

Stokić receives a yellow card for a foul on Potter. She will miss the next match. Potter responds with an attempt that is saved. 

Dennis is awarded a yellow for a foul on Stokić. The free kick from Serbia is close to the goal, but just goes over. 

Cox continues to keep England in the game as Matijvić goes for goal again. 

7 minutes of added time. In this time Lia has a saved attempt and match rivals Stokić concedes a free kick for a foul on Dennis. The match is becoming very equal with both teams being strong in attempts and defence. A shift that neither team should be ashamed of while goalless. 

As the second half begins there are no changes for either side. Godfrey concedes a free kick on Sarić leading to a Serbian corner and missed attempt by Ilić. Serbia go again with a blocked attempt for Čingelić. 

Lia responds with a strong attempt that is saved for England. What is clear is that both teams are hungry for this match and are trying for goal. There is no clear front runner yet. This comes as Godfrey goes off for Liverpool's Enderby. Potter is now captain. 

Serbia has two close attempts from Matejić and Čingelić, both saved by Cox. The Serbian side are pressing well and are showing strong in all areas of the pitch today. Regardless of the result, Serbia should be proud today. 

After a good round of pressure from Serbia, a break in the match comes for an injury for Aspin, who is soon back up. 

Potter is off for Pritchard, who scored a hatrick in the last match. Dennis comes on for Bose. Aspin is off for Reid. Hopefully these changes bring a spell of energy to England's scoreline. 

As the changes are made Serbia score. Matejić makes it 1-0 to Serbia. They go for another and then Uvalin is caught offside. 

Pritchard tries to reply to Serbia's goal with a strong ball, but ultimately it is saved. This is followed by another injury for England with Akpan down, but soon back playing. 

Lia tries to equalise, but hits the far post. The young Lionesses have just over 10 minutes to equalise. 

A hand ball from Ilić gives England their chance to equalise with Lia taking the kick that does not materialise. As Agyemang goes for goal, Pritchard fouls Sarić that brings medics on the pitch. She is quickly players again. 

A lifeline comes for England after a Serbian handball. Josivic comes on for Uvilin before the goal scoring penalty from Enderby! 1-1. 

England have time to win with 7 minutes added time. Serbia use this time well with attempts being made but saved by Cox. Serbian corner. Cox clears the attempt. A good run up from England leading to a throwing which Ilić will not allow England to take leading to a second Serbian yellow card. Ageymang responds with an attempt that hits the post. 

Serbian changes Ilic is off for Majstorović. Gakovic is off for Milovanović. Serbian corner which is again saved by Cox. Serbia are not giving up in the last minute. 

Ultimately a point to both teams. It was well played by both teams. There is some more work to do for England, but not a bad game from either teams.