England’s fast start was in contrast to their 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday, which saw them three down in the first halfhour. Williamson’s goal on the occasion of her 50th cap gave England reward for their dominance before Clinton slammed home a header to give the Lionesses a two-goal lead heading into the break.
That was as good as it got for the hosts, who took their foot off the gas in the second period. Their defence has been questioned in recent months and they were unable to keep a clean sheet against a side 50th in the Fifa world rankings as Thembi Kgatlana halved the deficit.
England returned to winning ways but it was not the most comfortable of victories as Kgatlana saw a goal ruled out for offside and was later denied on several occasions as England held on for victory.
Sarina Wiegman made eight changes from the Germany clash. Georgia Stanway was on the scoresheet twice last week and kept her place alongside Williamson and Beth Mead while the likes of Chloe Kelly, Mary Earps and Alex Greenwood were recalled.
Unlike Friday’s defeat at Wembley, the Lionesses started on the front foot and got their rewards for a sharp opening in the 12th minute courtesy of skipper Williamson.
Esta historia es de la edición October 30, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición October 30, 2024 de The Independent.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
What's The 'Toddler Tax' And Who Will End Up Paying It?
Parents could face paying VAT on nursery fees if a class contains just one child aged five, according to government guidance recently issued on the controversial new policy.
US Urges Israel To Rethink Palestinian Aid Agency Ban
UNRWA’s director is not sure there is a plan B’ to its vital services as Hezbollah declares Naim Qassem its new leader
Taliban Bans Women From Hearing Each Other's Voices
The Taliban has implemented a bizarre new edict that will further curb the voices of Afghan women who are already prohibited from speaking in public.
United ‘interested in hiring' Amorim, Sporting confirm
Manchester United have registered an interest in hiring Ruben Amorim and paying the Sporting Lisbon manager’s release clause, the Portuguese club have confirmed.
Will hungry Trent resist the allure of Real's galacticos?
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Sunday brought two pre-assists, two illustrations of remarkable ball-striking ability.
'Sloppy' Lionesses squeeze past spirited South Africa
Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton scored in the first half to help England edge to a 2-1 victory over South Africa in Coventry.
Harris denounces 'fear and division' stirred by Trump
Vice-president Kamala Harris delivered her campaign’s closing argument lasty night from the same spot in Washington DC where former president Donald Trump helped to incite a mob that attacked the US Capitol on 6 January, 2021.
Southport murder suspect charged with terror offence
A teenager accused of murdering three children in a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club in Southport has been charged with a terror offence and making a biological weapon.
Former Tory MP committed 'brazen' sexual misconduct
A former Tory MP inappropriately touched a woman’s bottom in one of parliament’s bars without her consent, according to a damning report by the Commons sleaze watchdog.
Why the sun is setting on Jenrick's bid for Tory leader
Overshadowed somewhat by the Budget, the US presidential election, wars in the Middle East and even the national debate on how to keep pets calm on fireworks night, the Conservative Party leadership contest is reaching a crescendo.