England make a winning start to Arnold Clark Cup with defeat of Korea Republic | OneFootball

England have made a winning start to the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup, defeating Korea Republic 4-0 at Stadium MK this evening.

A lively crowd welcomed the Lionesses to Buckinghamshire as they began their defence of the Arnold Clark Cup. Milton Keynes native Leah Williamson and her team made it difficult for themselves in the first half but they eventually came away with a four-goal victory with Chelsea prodigy Lauren James scoring her first senior international goal in the process.

England enjoyed the majority of the ball in the first half but the Lionesses struggled to put away their chances. Despite working their way into the opposition box on a number of occasions, England were not clinical in the final third and Kim Jung-mi in the Korean goal made some good saves to deny them.

England fans were sure that their side had their opening when Alessia Russo cannoned her shot off the woodwork towards the end of the first half, but they didn’t have to wait much longer for their goal. Just seconds later, the Lionesses were awarded a penalty when James was fouled in the box. Georgia Stanway stepped up and as reliable as ever, she slotted the ball home to give England the lead at the break.

Just 20 seconds into the second half, England charged towards the box and Chloe Kelly doubled their lead, the crowd roaring as they filed back to their seats. From that moment on, the floodgates began to open. Russo scored a third England goal from close range just a few moments later as Kim couldn’t deal with her shot.

It was a special occasion for Manchester City’s Laura Coombs as she came on in the second half to make her first England appearance since 2015. The midfielder was a surprise inclusion in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for this camp.

Capping-off an outstanding individual performance, James got her well-deserved goal with 10 minutes to go. She picked up the ball on the edge of the area and sent her shot flying into the back of the net.

In a game which could have produced more goals for England, the Lionesses ran out 4-0 winners, putting them at the top of the Arnold Clark Cup table on goal difference.

England are next in action on Sunday afternoon when they take on Italy in Coventry.