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England women frustrated by Wales to spoil Phil Neville's home debut as manager
More than 25,000 supporters arrived at St Mary’s eagerly anticipating a heavy England victory in Phil Neville’s first home game as manager but left disappointed after being frustrated by a resolute Wales.
“A draw was what they came for and what they got,” said a despondent Neville.
“It went how I thought it would, we didn't play well in the first half and we showed no patience. It felt like a defeat, the looks on the girls’ faces. We expected to win. But nobody knocks on your door and hands you a World Cup medal.”
Neville took charge of this qualifier with his team newly installed as number two in the world rankings after their recent impressive displays in America.
Only USA, who defeated the Lionesses 1-0 at last month’s She Believes Cup, are above them with Neville and his players now targeting the top berth.
Of more immediate concern is qualifying for next year’s World Cup in France as Group 1 winners.
They failed to top the group after a draw against Wales, despite having more than 75% of possession against the team ranked 34th.
Wales manager Jayne Ludlow hailed the result as “probably the best” in the history of Welsh women’s football.
“It was Welshness. That’s what we needed tonight. We’re a small nation, very small nation in terms of women’s football but when we’ve got everyone fit, we’re a good team.”
It was a frustrating first night for England, with nine Welsh players standing between them and the goal as Ludlow’s team stuck rigidly to their defensive formation.
Despite that, Wales came closest to scoring when Natasha Harding’s shot deflected off Steph Houghton and was swept off the line by Lucia Bronze, with replays suggesting the ball may have crossed.
At the other end, Barcelona’s Toni Duggan twice went close from distance whilst Jordan Nobbs rattled the crossbar from 25 yards after Wales keeper Laura O’Sullivan had got her fingertips to the ball.
Wales remained obdurate after the break but the introduction of Ellen White and Melissa Lawley in particular gave fresh impetus to the Lionesses’ attack.
White came close in the 70th minute, volleying at goal to bring a good save from the excellent O’Sullivan, who Ludlow revealed only started playing the game three years ago.
Neville was involved in a moment of controversy when he helped Wales’ Kayleigh Green stretch off cramp in her calf muscle in front of the dugout before being told not to do so by the match officials.
Abbie McManus fired into the side-netting when the ball had reached her at the far post in a late chance whilst Francesca Kirby forced another save from O’Sullivan from distance
But this was to be no dream home debut for Neville ahead of the next qualifier, in Bosnia on Tuesday.
