Jodie Taylor strike sends Phil Neville’s Lionesses into last 16 of World Cup
YOU’RE willing to wait 14 months for an international goal if it’s one that REALLY counts. And as Jodie Taylor justified Phil Neville’s big call in the Stade Oceane, the Lionesses proved they know how to dig out crucial wins when it matters. Just as it looked as though Nikita Parris was going to look […]
YOU’RE willing to wait 14 months for an international goal if it’s one that REALLY counts.
And as Jodie Taylor justified Phil Neville’s big call in the Stade Oceane, the Lionesses proved they know how to dig out crucial wins when it matters.
Just as it looked as though Nikita Parris was going to look back on Le Havre with a shudder after her first half penalty miss, Taylor bailed out her fellow Scouser.
It was a simple finish, six yards out into an empty net after a brilliant low cross by the excellent Beth Mead.
And it was just what Neville’s team needed to finally find a way past inspired Argentine keeper Vanine Correa.
Taylor’s seventh tournament goal, one behind the record held by Fara Williams, brought utter joy and ensured England’s place in the last 16.
They still have to avoid defeat against Japan in Nice on Wednesday to be sure of topping Group D and playing a third-placed side next.
Yet something is brewing, a collective belief that this England side have what it takes.
Last night, kicked, pulled and riled by the cynical South Americans, England stuck to their task with discipline and determination, even when it might have been one of THOSE games.
They dominated possession and chances, too, as Argentina barely crossed the half-way line.
Unfortunately for England, the best player on the pitch was in the Argentine net.
Correa quit international football and had twins before being persuaded back by Argentine coach Carlos Borello
And it was easy to see why as she repelled Neville’s side time and again, especially when Parris was handed her gilt-edged chance in the 28th minute.
Steph Houghton’s diagonal found Mead in space.
She rolled back for Alex Greenwood, with the left-back’s surge ended by a wild lunge from midfielder Ruth Bravo which brought a clear penalty.
Parris, who netted from the spot against Scotland, had to wait an age over the ball before getting the signal to strike.
That may have been a factor in the shot which Correa dived left to palm onto the post, with Taylor, who replaced Ellen White up front as one of four England changes, scuffing the rebound wide under pressure.
The pattern continued with Lucy Bronze rugby tackled to the ground as she burst forward before Mead, found by Fran Kirby, shot too close to the keeper.
England remained on top after the break but with Correa inspired, the goal appeared as if it would not come.
Parris flashed across the face of goal with nobody on hand to apply the finishing touch, and then saw her snap-shot beaten away by Correa.
The Argentine No 1 had an easier task to hold Taylor’s header when she was picked out by Parris’ run and cross.
MOST READ IN SPORT
But when Mead, fed by Kirby, put one on a plate for Taylor just after the hour, she gobbled it up with a simple side-foot finish that not even Correa could stop.
England looked for more.
Jill Scott, the only survivor of the 6-1 win in China in the teams’ only previous meeting in 2007, twice saw headers drop inches the wrong side of the bar.
One, though, was always likely to be enough. Two wins, six points. And a lot more to come. They could be here for a few more weeks.
