England vs South Korea LIVE: Arnold Clark Cup latest score and ...
The Lionesses seek to prepare for the World Cup by defending their Arnold Clark Cup title
(Action Images via Reuters)
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England kick off their Arnold Clark Cup defence against South Korea tonight as the Lionesses begin their 2023 campaign with this summer’s World Cup on the horizon.
Sarina Wiegman’s side won the inaugural edition of the four-team Arnold Clark Cup last season, which paved the way for England’s victory at the European Championships during ther summer.
The Lionesses have a new set of opponents this time, with South Korea, Italy and Belgium all involved and England will want to continue their unbeaten run under Wiegman and make the best possible start to their World Cup preparations.
“What we want to take from this tournament is to get ready for 22 July so it’s preparation for the World Cup,” said Wiegman, “We have three games, so that’s lots of opportunities to see players and lots of combinations against good opponents.”
Follow all the action from England’s opening match versus South Korea:
15 mins: Close! That’s a lovely move from England. Chloe Kelly shifts the ball into the box and sends it to Georgia Stanway. She lays it off to Ella Toone who strikes one at goal and forces Ki Jungmi into a diving stop to her left.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:03
12 mins: Son takes control of an early forward pass and draws Jess Carter into making the foul. South Korea then pump the ball towards England’s penalty area but it’s recovered by the Lionesses who sweep quickly up the pitch.
The visitors are back in their low defensive block and England have to think about how to break them down.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 20:00
9 mins: Son Hwa-Yeon has been shown an early yellow card and will have to keep herself in check from the rest of this match.
Leah Williamson - playing in midfield again tonight - threads the ball up to Lauren James but she’s closed down quickly and can’t find a pass for Alessia Russo in the box.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:56
6 mins: Shot! Korea are quick on the counter and their wingbacks will fly up the pitch. Choo Hyojoo does just that on the right side and is fed the ball with space to run into.
She comes inside, takes on Alex Greenwood then curls a left-footed shot straight into the arms of Mary Earps.
Good start to the game this.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:52
3 mins: Chance! South Korea have settled in with a back five and look prepared to defend against the attacking threat of the Lionesses.
Georgia Stanway evades a tackle on the edge of the box before slipping the ball to Lauren James. She shoots and blazes her first effort wide of the far post!
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:50
There was a moments silence before kick off for the victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. When the game does start, England take the knee to say no to discrimination before the Lionesses get the match underway at the Stadium MK.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:46
Sarina Wiegman makes six changes to the England side who drew with Norway in November.
Captain Leah Williamson returns and lines up in midfield with regular Keira Walsh out through illness. Jess Carter comes into defence with goalkeeper Mary Earps and full-back Lucy Bronze returning.
Alessia Russo starts up front, with Lauren James getting the nod ahead of Lauren Hemp.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:41
Since Wiegman’s first game in charge in September 2021, defender Millie Bright has played the most minutes (2,075), completed the most passes (1,660), made the most interceptions (37), headed clearances (37), won the most aerial duels (54) and blocked the joint most shots on target (7) of any England player.
Her last two goals were also scored in the 2022 Arnold Clark Cup, against Canada and Germany.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:37
England’s captain, Leah Williamson, spoke about what it feels like to return to the national team.
"On a personal note I’m very happy to be back with the team,” she said, “But for everyone it seems like such a long time from November to February and a lot has happened and a lot’s changed so it’s good to come back together and reconnect.
"The more time we spend together, the more we connect which we saw last summer so it’s good to be back.
"Last year, winning [the Arnold Clark Cup] was important for us and the nature of how we won the final game directly translated to what we had to do in the Euros so it’s no coincidence.
"But the best thing about last year was how much we learnt about ourselves and we needed to see where we could grow as a team before the tournament and that’s what I’m looking forward to this time.”
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:32
Despite only starting eight games and playing 988 minutes, Ella Toone was directly involved in 15 goals for England during 2022 (nine goals, six assists), second only to Beth Mead (23) for goals and assists during the previous calendar year.
Toone either scored or assisted every 66 minutes during 2022.
Michael Jones16 February 2023 19:27
