Daly double helps England to victory over Italy in Coventry | OneFootball

England remain top of the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup table after beating Italy 2-1 in Coventry this afternoon.

Two Rachel Daly headers either side of half-time were enough to secure victory for the Lionesses in front of a Coventry Building Society Arena record crowd of 32,128.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman made nine changes to the team that beat Korea Republic 4-0 in Milton Keynes on Thursday evening. Jess Park, Maya Le Tissier and Katie Robinson all made their first senior starts while Keira Walsh returned to the starting line-up following illness.

England started off on the front foot and a few early chances came their way; Daly producing the best opportunity with a powerful shot that was stopped by Italy’s Laura Giuliani.

At the other end, Ellie Roebuck was called into action early on, as an Italian counter-attack allowed Valentina Giacinti to have a shot on goal. Fortunately, Manchester City’s number one had the shot covered at the near post.

Robinson enjoyed her freedom down the wings, switching from left to right with established forward Lauren Hemp, and she looked to be the brightest spark on the pitch in the first half.

It took just over half an hour for the deadlock to be broken and it was Daly who headed home a perfect cross from Robinson to give the Lionesses the lead. Daly’s effort was the only goal separating the sides heading into half-time.

The Robinson and Daly link-up was certainly strengthening as the game progressed. The Brighton & Hove Albion forward delivered some superb crosses into the Aston Villa attacker but she couldn’t take advantage.

The chances came thick and fast for the hosts with substitute Jordan Nobbs wanting in on the action. Her second of two efforts saw her produce a powerful strike from inside the box but the shot was comfortable enough for Giuliani.

Italy equalised and a resounding boo was heard around the ground. After a scramble in the box, Sofia Cantore was able to squeeze the ball over the line to hand her side the equaliser.

It wasn’t long before Daly replicated her first half goal. This time, it was substitute Lauren James who played the ball into her and she headed home to regain the lead for her side.

Italy then went close to equalising matters for a second time through their goalscorer, Cantore, who found herself in a good position, but Lotte Wubben-Moy marked her perfectly as the forward failed to progress.

England held out for the win which leaves them on the verge of retaining the Arnold Clark Cup.