'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.

- SUNNY BADWAL

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.