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England’s defensive frailties exposed again but Grace Clinton offers hope for future
England 2 South Africa 1
This was the game that announced Grace Clinton as a future England star, delivering the sort of all action, all running, all threatening midfield display the Lionesses have been lacking for a while.
On another testing night for the Lionesses, who were plagued by yet more defensive mistakes, we may just have found the heir to Jill Scott’s throne.
They are not the same type of player, Clinton is probably better on the ball than Scott was, but they both bring athleticism and power. They also have a little bit of a nasty streak. In old money, you could say they like to get stuck in.
Clinton is a box-to-box midfielder in the true sense of the world. She is quick and strong, making an impact at both ends of the pitch. She can do the ugly, scrappy side of things, yet also brings a deft touch, calmness under pressure, drawing fouls when squeezed and a passing range that constantly enabled England to get on the front foot against South Africa.
Where some in England’s midfield have become a little too risk averse, playing safe passes which help England retain possession, but make them easier to defend against, Clinton’s first thought is ‘how can I hurt the opposition?’
Whether it was a forward pass, or trying to break the lines with a surging run there was a dynamism to her play. Grace has guile and England missed her when she was withdrawn around the hour mark and they looked let letting South Africa back into a game they had controlled.
Having prevented South Africa equalising with a last ditch tackle, made because she diligently tracked a midfield runner, Clinton scored the second with a powerful header at the end of a perfectly timed run.
A Manchester United made link 🔗
Grace Clinton powers home the header from Le Tissier's cross 💥#ITVFootball | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/o5T930JRlI— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 29, 2024
It was her second international goal in just her fourth appearance. England might have a real player – who offers something different to their other midfielders – on their hands.
They also still have a concern over captain Williamson’s form though. On the night she got her 50th cap, the skipper scored, but also cost her side a goal, just as she did against Germany last week, with another wayward pass to the opposition deep inside her own half.
Match details
England (4-1-4-1): Earps 6; Le Tissier 7, Williamson 6 (Bright 73), Greenwood 7, Morgan 6; (Bronze 61) Stanway 5, Kelly 6, Clinton 8 (Toone 62), Park 7 (Kirby 62), Mead 5 (Hemp 73), Naz 7 ,
Subs not used: Hampton; Moorhouse, Walsh, Beever-Jones, Carter, Parker
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Swart 6 (Dlamini 46) ; Kgatlana 6, Mbane 7 , Makhubela 7, Dhlamini 6; S Cesane 6 (Biyana 46), Magaia; Ramalepe, N Cesane 6, Motau 7 (Holweni 77); Molthalo 7
Subs not used: Magagula, Manengela, Mhlongo, S Shamase, T Shamase, Mthandi,Michael, Majiya.
How did England’s Next Gen get on against South Africa?
It was a much changed side against South Africa as Sarina Wiegman looked to give a new generation of England players a chance to impress.
And it was not just Manchester United’s Grace Clinton who impressed, while others still have improvements to make as the Lionesses look to refresh things heading into the European Championship.
Telegraph Sports takes a look at England’s new generation of players as they look to force their way into the side or cement their place in the squad before the summer.
Jess Naz
There are the raw ingredients there and she is an intriguing prospect at this level. The Spurs forward, given the No 9 shirt, has pace and an ability to stretch a defence running in behind. She also dropped deep to link play quite nicely against South Africa too.
England do not have a lot of competition for places in attack but Naz, who is not a youngster as such at the age of 24 –could be a useful weapon from the bench.
Probably still feeling her way at international level in the senior environment – this was only her third international cap and her first start – she got an assist in the build up to Leah Williamson’s goal. Definitely worth preserving with and will hopefully benefit from more game exposure.
Grace Clinton
What a performance from England’s number 8. Quick and strong, she was a force of nature in the middle of the pitch. Driving the team forward with her speed over the ground. Constantly looking to break the lines, her first instinct is to pass forward which stood out in a midfield where others have become far more risk averse.
She is strong too, snapping into the tackle, relishing physical contact and is a true box to box midfielder. England may just have found the heir to Jill Scott in the centre of midfield. She also knows where the goal is too, scoring with a powerful header in the first half. A real breakthrough display from the 21-year-old who deserves to start against the USA at the end of November.
Maya Le Tissier
Has played all her club football for Manchester United as a right-sided centre back but has mainly been deployed at right back for England where she is cover for Lucy Bronze.
Does not offer anything like the same offensive threat as Bronze with her ability to run with the ball, although it was her cross headed in by Clinton and it was an excellent one.
She is a strong defender and dealt with quick and tricky opponents here. She is also good in the air which is a useful asset to have. Was moved out to left back in the second half and drew a huge cheer with a thumping tackle to win a 50-50 ball. Deserves to keep her place in the squad at least. A definite plus point for Wiegman.
Esme Morgan
Got a little exposed in an unfamiliar left back role – England’s back four was made up entirely of centre backs – but this might be the position where she has the best chance to break into the first team.
There was one bad mistake in the first half that allowed South Africa to get in behind and almost led to a goal, but she recovered from that. Was presumably in the side to add some height to the defence in the absence of Millie Bright at set pieces, but does not have the same physical presence as the Chelsea centre back.
Will remain a part of the squad and probably a little unfair to judge her when she is playing out of position. But England have a lot of questions about the left back role where Jess Carter – another right footed centre back – has been inconsistent. Morgan did not do well enough here though to prove she is a solution.
Jess Park
She is the definition of neat and tidy and does find little pockets of space between midfield and defence where she should be able to hurt the opposition more. But nothing quite came off for her against South Africa and there is a lot of competition for places as an attacking midfielder.
Park was preferred to Clinton when she came off the bench to replace Ella Toone against Germany but Wiegman would have wanted to see more from the Manchester City player when given a starting role in Coventry.
There is, potentially, a really good international player in there and she has impressed Wiegman in training, but this was a quiet evening by her standards. Looks secure in the squad but probably as a backup player at the moment.
10:10 PM GMT
Sarina Wiegman gives her verdict to ITV
The first half was more straightforward. We played well but the second half we had some struggle moments.
We were a little bit too sloppy – the first half we had sloppy moments too but we created some chances from corners and open play.
We scored a very good goal – the second half we were a little bit sloppy – they are smart in the counter-attack and very fast. That was hard for us – we keep trying and keep playing football – keep playing forward.
In transitions they would jump on us and make better decision. Leah Williamson’s goal was really nice for her – the 50 makes it an even extra something
It’s different when you start and I wanted to see that – Jess [Naz] stretches things and runs in behind
Grace [Clinton] played well and she is tight on the ball, despite a couple of moments and together they were finding the pockets.
10:05 PM GMT
A small reminder
The Lionesses will host the USA, managed by former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes at Wembley on November 30.
Undoubtedly, that will be a much tougher test for Sarina Wiegman’s side. They will need to seriously improve.
09:55 PM GMT
Midfielder Grace Clinton speaking to ITV
On the game:
It was a tough game, South Africa are a great team. We expected them to be tough and we dealt with their individual qualities.
On her own performance and goal:
It is a good night for me. I’m nice and confident and I’m happy to be there. She [Maya Le Tissier] actually looked up for me and everything. The ball was amazing, it was hard not to finish.
On team performance:
I think they’re a really tough opposition. Their pace is crazy. We’ll go back and review the game together but it’s positive.
On goals:
Everyone wants to play for England, for their country. I want to keep confident and keep getting goals.
On starting at Euro 2025 being a target:
Yes, definitely.
09:45 PM GMT
Full-time: England 2 South Africa 1
Sarina Wiegman’s new-look side hold onto victory but it was not a particularly convincing performance.
They were made to work hard especially after Kgatiana pulled one back after a mistake from Leah Williamson.
09:43 PM GMT
90+5 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Alex Greenwood will deliver a free-kick into the area from the left. It’s headed clear but South Africa can’t launch a counter attack.
09:40 PM GMT
90+3 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Lauren Hemp is looking lively here! She drives at the South African defence but cannot get her shot away!
09:38 PM GMT
90+1 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Yet again, Kgatiana shows her quality again to burst down the right but England’s backline are able to clear when her pass comes into the middle.
There will be five minutes of added time.
09:36 PM GMT
88 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Alex Greenwood loops the ball from the left into the box – Lauren Hemp tries to steer the header down but it was always heading wide.
09:32 PM GMT
85 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Alex Greenwood swings in the corner which is headed to the edge of the penalty box where Georgia Stanway hammers the volley over – what a chance for the hosts!
Alessia Russo charges down the left but is hauled back with a nasty challenge from Mbane.There is a potential VAR check for a red card but nothing is done.
09:29 PM GMT
82 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Ella Toone is denied her chance on the scoresheet. She hits a bouncing ball on the volley and Diamini dives high to her left to parry it behind goal.
The South African goalkeeper hasn’t had a great deal to do in this second half but has just made a crucial save.
09:25 PM GMT
79 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
First card of the game goes to South Africa. Biyana goes into the referee’s book for a clumsy challenge on Chloe Kelly.
09:23 PM GMT
76 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
And again Kgatiana races behind the England backline. This time, she is definitely onside but Lucy Bronze saves the day with a huge block! The Lioness comes across to deflect the shot over the crossbar.
England are all over the shop – they need a third goal to settle their nerves.
09:22 PM GMT
73 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
OFFSIDE!
Kgatiana is causing all sorts of problems for England. Yet again, she races in behind the England defence and hammers the ball past Earps into the net.
What a brilliant finish but it will not count as the offside flag goes up. Looking at the replay, she is well off.
09:20 PM GMT
69 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
England’s substitutions are definitely settling into the game and finding their rhythm. The momentum is shifting as South Africa search for an equaliser.
09:18 PM GMT
66 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
A mixed night for Williamson – as it is another mistake from the England captain. She allows Kgatiana to race behind her – luckily England have some cover in veteran Lucy Bronze, who forces a pass to Magaia and her shot is blocked.
09:14 PM GMT
63 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
Lucy Bronze is gaining space down the right. She fires a low cross shot into the box but it is deflected through to Dlamini.
09:10 PM GMT
59 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
A quadruple change from Sarina Weigman. Alessia Russo, Fran Kirby, Lucy Bronze and Ella Toone come on to replace Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Jess Naz, Esme Morgan. Weigman is going with an influx of experience to provide some stability for the Lionesses.
09:08 PM GMT
57 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
The hosts have responded well to the South Africa’s goal. Chloe Kelly hits the crossbar with a sublime effort. The Lioness shoots from 25 yards with her left foot – sadly the ball hits the woodwork.
Substitutions are incoming for England.
09:02 PM GMT
54 minutes: England 2 South Africa 1
GOOALL!
Against the run of the play, South Africa have scored! Hate to say this – but it is a poor error from Leah Williamson. Her pass is so loose and goes straight to Kgatiana. The South African player bursts through onto goal and slots the ball past Earps.
Yet again England are punished by their defensive errors – they have got to be more alert to the danger.
Kgatlana is RAPID⚡️
With the finishing to match too. South Africa have their first-ever goal against England 🇿🇦#ITVFootball | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/SUd2Pd2Fdy— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 29, 2024
09:01 PM GMT
52 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
Grace Clinton is down after being fouled by Makhubei She appears to be clutching her left arm but is not allowing the physios to come on – she is not coming off.
08:58 PM GMT
50 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
Grace Clinton – who was the star of the first half races down the right-hand side and looks for Chloe Kelly who is inside the South African box. She attempts to twist her way past the backline but is unable to pull anything off.
08:56 PM GMT
48 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
The hosts start the second half brightly. Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly gets in down the byline. However, South Africa are able to clear their lines and stop her.
08:52 PM GMT
We are back under way
Will the second half live up to the first? Often these friendlies can lose their way once the avalanche of substitutions commence. South Africa have made two changes. They have brought off their goalkeeper Swart, who struggled with a back injury in the first half. She is replaced by Dlamini while Sinoxolo Cesane makes way for Biyana.
08:40 PM GMT
Half-time: England 2 South Africa 0
Half-time in Coventry and the Lionesses are in control! Leah Williamson on her 50th appearance for England – scored the opener with Grace Clinton heading in a second for England.
The visitors have had decent chances with England’s defence still looking fragile – they certainly do not look assured at the back.
08:38 PM GMT
45+3 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
That could of been a big blunder for the Lionesses as Morgan’s header does not have enough on it and it comes back to Mary Earps. The England goalkeeper comes out to claim on the edge of the box. South Africa are causing England several problems here.
08:35 PM GMT
45 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
South Africa immediately counter after Mead’s free-kick. Kgatalana able to get ahead of Williamson down the right-hand side. She could of taken a shot, one on one with the England goalkeeper but she hesitates and the opportunity is gone.
Four minutes of added time.
08:32 PM GMT
42 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
Jess Naz has the opportunity to burst through the South African backline but is checked back. Grace Clinton then wins a free-kick in a decent position around 30 yards from goal.
Beth Mead takes the free-kick for England but her effort lands into the hands of South African goalkeeper Swart.
08:28 PM GMT
40 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
A slight delay here –South Africa Motau is now receiving medical treatment after colliding with teammate Cesane.
Everyone takes the break to get themselves a drink of water. Thankfully both players are up again and can continue.
08:26 PM GMT
37 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
Grace Clinton is on the attack once more for England! The Manchester United midfielder takes a shot from nearly 30 yards out but its sails over the bar.
08:23 PM GMT
34 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
England are becoming sloppy here – allowing South Africa to advance and float in several diagonal crosses. You feel, a better side would have punished England by now – their defensive frailties are being exposed yet again.
Plenty for Sarina Weigman to ponder at half-time.
08:20 PM GMT
31 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
South Africa look to counter as Ramalepe gets to the byline and sends a decent cross in which Kgatiana meets with a mishit volley that bounces into the hands of England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
08:17 PM GMT
28 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
A feisty encounter in Coventry. Grace Clinton is penalised for a poor challenge on Bambanani Mbane.
She is late and catches the South African player on the ankle and knocks her to the floor resulting in a free kick. However, England have been dominant with South African unable to get out of their own half.
A much improved performance than on Friday night.
08:14 PM GMT
25 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
Grace Clinton is really dictating play for the Lionesses here. She plays a sublime pass down the left channel for Jess Naz, who manages to send a cross from the byline. But the South African goalkeeper is alert and clears the line.
08:11 PM GMT
22 minutes: England 2 South Africa 0
GOOALL!
Here we go another for the hosts!
This time Maya Le Tissier links up nicely with Manchester United teammate Grace Clinton. The right-back delays sending her cross from the right to wait for Clinton to arrive in the box – the midfielder sends a powerful header into the bottom right corner.
The Lionesses are delivering for manager Sarina Wiegman.
A Manchester United made link 🔗
Grace Clinton powers home the header from Le Tissier's cross 💥#ITVFootball | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/o5T930JRlI— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 29, 2024
08:09 PM GMT
18 minutes: England 1 South Africa 0
Grace Clinton is dropping deep and sends a clever pass down the right-hand channel. Sadly, it has too much on it for Chloe Kelly.
08:08 PM GMT
15 minutes: England 1 South Africa 0
Another England corner, this time from the right-hand side, sent in by Alex Greenwood.
Leah Williamson has started this game so well – her header flashes over the bar. Surely, this game is not going to end 1-0.
08:07 PM GMT
13 minutes: England 1 South Africa 0
The visitors should have levelled here. Esme Morgan miskicks a backpass down the right-hand side. Kgatlana nips in and she’s one on one with Mary Earps. Instead of shooting she crossed the ball to Magaia, who attempts to walk the ball into the net.
That allows England’s backline to arrive and mess with Magaia’s eventual shot.
08:03 PM GMT
11 minutes: England 1 South Africa 0
GOOALL!
Leah Willamson on her 50th appearance for the Lionesses.
Mead earns England another corner and South Africa fail to clear their lines. Jess Naz who was right of the goal, rolls a sublime pass to her left for the captain Williamson who passes confidently into the bottom right.
What a way to celebrate. The centre-back answers her critics after a tough evening against Germany.
The captain is on the scoresheet 🏴
Leah Williamson repays Sarina Wiegman's faith, on her 50th cap #ITVFootball | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/vUMT2yxUEx— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 29, 2024
08:00 PM GMT
8 minutes: England 0 South Africa 0
It has been a feisty encounter tonight in Coventry. Georgia Stanway arrives late into a challenge and Beth Mead takes a kick to her right ankle.
07:55 PM GMT
6 minutes: England 0 South Africa 0
Jess Naz has started this game so brightly for England. The Tottenham Hotspur forward gets brought down in the right corner of the box by Makhubela. After a slight delay from the referee she gives the free-kick – it was clear and obvious foul.
However, the set piece was easily caught by the South African goalkeeper Swart.
07:53 PM GMT
4 minutes: England 0 South Africa 0
Alex Greenwood’s second delivery is easily caught by the South African goalkeeper – the visitors quickly look to counter and test England’s defence. But Sarina Wiegman’s side recover well and intercept the ball on the halfway line.
07:51 PM GMT
2 minutes: England 0 South Africa 0
A bright start from England who are taking the first couple of minutes getting a feel of the ball.
Nice play from the hosts as Chloe Kelly slips a pass through to debutant Jess Park in the penalty box. She takes on the shot which is blocked by South Africa’s backline.
England earn a corner with Greenwood’s delivery to the near post but is cleared for another corner.
07:46 PM GMT
Kick-off
England get the game under way at Coventry.
07:44 PM GMT
Landmark occasion for Leah Williamson
The centre-back has clocked up her half-century of appearances for the Lionesses tonight.
Lovely touch from England as the landmark occasion is printed on the inside of the captain’s shirt for tonight’s fixture against South Africa.
07:40 PM GMT
The players are out in Coventry
Time for the national anthems. Will England respond to Friday’s defeat or strengthen the argument of their recent critics? We are about to find out with kick-off minutes away.
07:39 PM GMT
Get involved
As always, we want to hear from our readers. What would you like to see from the Lionesses this evening? How will Sarina Wiegman’s side fare at Euro 2025?
Let us know in the comment section below.
07:33 PM GMT
Have teams found England out?
That is the question asked by our reporter Luke Edwards in this piece, who also looks at some of the options available to Sarina Wiegman as she seeks to add greater variation in England’s play ahead of Euro 2025.
07:29 PM GMT
The warm-ups are under way
07:21 PM GMT
Jess Naz interview
Tottenham Hotspur forward Jess Naz who has two caps to her name – makes her first start for England tonight.
The striker sat down with Telegraph Sport earlier this month to discuss football, dancing, dinner guests and dress sense.
You can read the full interview here.
07:15 PM GMT
The Lionesses have arrived
07:12 PM GMT
Sarina Weigman speaks to ITV
We have two friendlies and we’re getting ready for the Euros next summer and it’s an opportunity to try out lots of thing – to see many players – that’s what we’re going to see tonight.
Everyone has a point to prove every night and you want to show consistency. Tonight [Mary Earps] is going to do that and [Jessica Naz] is very quick.
We want to get runs behind and be a danger for the opponent. We have many players playing well for their club. Tonight is an opportunity for players to show themselves at international level.
07:09 PM GMT
South Africa team news
This is how we will line up for the encounter against England
📺 Live on @sabc2 at 21h45
🏴vs🇿🇦#LiveTheImpossible #SasolInSport@SasolinSport @SasolSA @Shield_ZA @LeCoqSportif_SA pic.twitter.com/0TdyjzFdTS— Banyana_Banyana (@Banyana_Banyana) October 29, 2024
07:07 PM GMT
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06:59 PM GMT
Listen to the latest TWS podcast
The first episode of the new series of the Telegraph Women’s Sport podcast hosted by Dame Laura Kenny was released last week.
The panel explored the theme of inspiration – our guest was a 21-year-old Zara Lachlan who is rowing solo from Europe to South Africa. You can listen to the podcast on your preferred streaming platform here.
06:55 PM GMT
Wiegman ring the changes in new look line-up
Sarina Wiegman promised changes and she has made them from England’s humbling defeat to Germany at Wembley on Friday. Only Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway and Beth Mead retain their places from that match.
Mary Earps returns to the starting line-up replacing Hannah Hampton in goal. Maya Le Tissier starts at right-back while Alex Greenwood joins Williamson at centre-back and Esme Morgan at left-back
In the forward line, Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp drop to the bench with Jessica Naz and Chloe Kelly starting tonight.
06:49 PM GMT
England line-up to face South Africa
Starting tonight for the #Lionesses! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/QZsEAtMB8f
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) October 29, 2024
06:47 PM GMT
Good evening
England host South Africa in an international friendly as the Lionesses look to bounce back from a humbling defeat to Germany on Friday.
England manager Sarina Wiegman is expected to make changes to the team for tonight’s game. The Lionesses who are preparing to defend their European Championship title next summer in Switzerland, lost 4-3 to Germany at Wembley on Friday.
Wiegman said there will be ‘different faces’ in the side as England look to return to winning ways in Coventry.
“I’m not going to tell you [who], but you will see changes. We want to try out things to see players, different connections and also to manage the minutes too,” said Wiegman.
There was much criticism of Wiegman’s team selection on Friday as England conceded four goals for the first time under the Dutch manager.
The Dutch manager chose to go with tried and tested over players who are in form at club level.
England will be well aware they will need to improve on their performance against Germany and cut out the defensive mistakes if they are to defend their European title next summer.
South Africa will pose a different threat to England and they are relatively unknown opposition, with England used to playing European opposition.
They reached the last-16 of the World Cup last year so can pose a threat and England will need to be wary. This is first meeting between the two sides since 2010. Wiegman hopes tonight’s game can be ‘learning moment’ for her players.
“I think this is a great opportunity to play South Africa, it’ll be another learning moment for us, and how we can approach that,” Wiegman said. “We want to try out things, we want the players to see connections and so many games coming after the camp.”
“Can we be calm on the ball playing forward, staying out of the duels and of course taking their counter attacks with the speed they have up front?”
Confirmed team news on the way shortly.
