England's Lionesses give Phil Neville dream debut
Phil Neville was handed a dream start to his managerial reign as England women’s manager when the Lionesses crushed France 4-1 in their opening game of the SheBelieves Cup in Columbus, Ohio.
Though admitting he had a lot to learn about the women’s game when he was controversially appointed to the manager’s role five weeks’ ago, England gave him the perfect introduction against SheBelieves Cup holders France.
Despite missing key players like captain Steph Houghton, Jordan Nobbs and Kaz Carney, the Lionesses soon took advantage of a sloppy French defensive display and went in front after just six minutes through Toni Duggan.
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After Jodi Taylor hit the bar with a delicate chip, England went 2-0 up after 28 minutes when Jill Scott’s shot found its way past France keeper Karima Benameur. Taylor soon gained compensation, taking advantage of poor defending to slot home a third six minutes before the break.
The competition, which also features the US and Germany, is in its third year and got off to flyer with a rampant Lionesses 3-0 up at half-time.
Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby both went close before the Lionesses wrapped things up with a fourth, as Kirby ghosted in to the area unchallenged to beat Benameur, who was slow to come for a cross.
France grabbed a late consolation via a deflected Gaetane Thiney shot, but the victory was just the tonic for Neville, who has big shoes to follow, since predecessor Mark Sampson took England from 14th in the world to third and reached two major semi-finals.
Englad play Germany in New Jersey on Sunday (20:00 GMT) and then hosts No1-ranked United States in Orlando on Thursday (00:00 GMT). England have finished third in both previous SheBelieves Cup tournaments, although last year they defeated the US for the first time on American soil.
