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Lauren Hemp scored twice as England thrashed Italy in a friendly to conclude their February training camp in the south of Spain.
Hemp’s first-half double put England in total control after the Lionesses took the lead in the opening minute through Lotte Wubben-Moy.
The defender’s first international goal, a header from Alex Greenwood’s corner, gave England the perfect start before a fortuitous second from Hemp.
Hemp added her second with a thumping header from Georgia Stanway’s cross, before substitutes Ella Toone and Rachel Daly added to the score late on.
Toone converted Lauren James’ cross with a volley before Daly punished an Italy mistake to make it five.
Italy had pulled one back before half-time, when Michela Cambiaghi slotted past Mary Earps, but England were comfortable winners.
It rounded off a successful camp for the Lionesses after beating Austria 7-2 on Friday night. Follow live updates from England’s friendly against Italy in tonight’s match blog, and get the latest tips and odds on the fixture, here.
FULL TIME! England 5-1 Italy
That’s that! A five-goal performance from England!
(The FA via Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:54
England 5-1 Italy
88 mins: Close! Hemp is inches away from her hat-trick! It’s superb from James, who creates a yard before firing a low drive across goal. Guiliani saves well with her feet and it almost breaks to Hemp to head in – but it just came back up too quickly.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:49
England 5-1 Italy
83 mins: An England debut for Millie Turner! The Manchester United centre-back replaces Alex Greenwood for her first cap. She’ll see out the final 10 minutes or so.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:44
GOAL! England 5-1 Italy (DALY 79’)
Daly strikes against Italy again! She punishes the mistake from the Italy goalkeeper!
Guiliani is sold short by the back pass but Daly is so, so sharp. The striker rounds Guiliani and then beats another Italy defender for good measure before slotting into the empty net!
It’s five for the Lionesses.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:39
England 4-1 Italy
71 mins: Italy have had their share of chances, as Cambiaghi gets another in the box but drags her effort wide.
England make their fifth change as Daly replaces Kelly, in a move that should see Hemp go back to the wing.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:33
GOAL! England 4-1 Italy (TOONE 69’)
A lovely England goal and Toone makes her impact off the bench to lead by three once again!
James makes her impact as well with a drive to the byline and a clipped cross back into the box.
Toone, as she so often does, arrives just in time and guides an excellent volley into the top corner!
Super goal, which came from Greenwood’s switch of play.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:29
England 3-1 Italy
64 min: Save! James suddenly sparks into life as she turns and fires a shot on target with her left foot. Guiliani gets across to palm it behind for a corner.
Stanway and Clinton make way for Toone and Park as England make their double change. Two straight-swaps.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:26
England 3-1 Italy
63 mins: Italy with another corner as England have to withstand their longest spell of pressure of the match. The Lionesses clear as Wubben-Moy makes first contact again.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:24
England 3-1 Italy
61 mins: Ella Toone and Jess Park are preparing to come on for England as Italy get a third corner in quick succession. This time Wubben-Moy clears with a good defensive header.
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:21
England 3-1 Italy
58 mins: A rare foray forward from Italy – Carter can only clear the first corner out for another, before Cambiaghi had a chance for a free header at the near post!
That could have been two…
Jamie Braidwood27 February 2024 18:19
