In a breathtaking display of attacking football, the England Lionesses delivered a masterclass, dismantling Italy with a resounding 5-1 victory at a rain-soaked bet365 Stadium. The performance, spearheaded by the irrepressible Lauren James, sends a formidable message to their European rivals.
Chelsea's prodigious talent, James, was the undisputed star of the show, netting a magnificent first-half brace. Her opening goal was a moment of pure individual brilliance, cutting inside onto her favoured right foot before unleashing an unstoppable rocket into the top corner, leaving Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani with no chance.
She wasn't finished there. James doubled her tally and England's lead just before the break, demonstrating her predatory instincts with a clever, close-range finish after a goalmouth scramble, effectively putting the game beyond doubt.
Russo and Kirby Add to Italian Misery
While James stole the headlines, it was a comprehensive team performance. Arsenal striker Alessia Russo continued her rich vein of form, powerfully heading home a Lauren Hemp cross to open the scoring and set England on their path to victory.
Substitute Fran Kirby put the final exclamation point on the match, coming off the bench to coolly slot home a fifth goal in the dying minutes, capping off a fluid team move and emphasising England's incredible depth.
A Brief Moment of Concern
The only blemish on an otherwise perfect night was a consolation goal for Italy's Valentina Giacinti, whose sharp finish early in the second half briefly gave the visitors a flicker of hope. However, any thoughts of a comeback were swiftly extinguished as England reasserted their dominance, controlling possession and carving open the Italian defence at will.
The result maintains England's 100% record in their Euro 2025 qualifying group, firmly placing them in the driving seat to secure automatic passage to the tournament in Switzerland. The Lionesses have now scored a staggering 14 goals in their three qualifying matches, showcasing an attacking firepower that will strike fear into any opponent.
This commanding victory not only secures three crucial points but also serves as a powerful statement of intent from Sarina Wiegman's side, proving they remain one of the most formidable forces in international women's football.
