England’s Women’s U-23s returned to winning form on Tuesday night, beating France 1-0 in a tightly contested match at the Lamex Stadium in Stevenage.
The Young Lionesses, coming off a narrow loss to Germany last week, dominated the game and fully deserved their victory in front of a lively crowd of 2,809 fans.
The match was decided by a goal from Isobel Goodwin, who netted on her first start for the U-23s. Despite the single goal, England could have added more, especially in a strong second-half performance.
Both teams came out attacking from the start, with the first 30 minutes proving to be a closely fought battle. France had their best chance when Jade Rastocle’s header from a corner hit the outside of the post.
The breakthrough came ten minutes before halftime when England captain Missy-Bo Kearns delivered a precise cross into the box. Goodwin, in perfect position, saw her initial header blocked by French goalkeeper Marie Petiteau but was quick to follow up and finish from close range, giving England a 1-0 lead.
From that moment on, England grew in confidence and looked the more likely team to score again. France, though, would have been relieved to hear the halftime whistle as England’s dominance was clear.
Five minutes into the second half, England came agonizingly close to doubling their lead. Kearns’ back-heel pass found Goodwin, but her first-time shot clipped the outside of the post. Missy Goodwin’s rebound attempt was saved by Petiteau.
The French goalkeeper continued to keep her team in the game, saving well from a low shot by Olivia McLaughlin after a clever cross from Katie Robinson.
Robinson was involved once more in the final ten minutes, providing a pass to substitute Michelle Agyemang, whose powerful shot was cleared off the line.
Although France continued to push for an equalizer, England goalkeeper Kayla Rendell was solid in goal, handling everything that came her way to maintain a clean sheet and seal the win for the Young Lionesses.
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