Player Ratings: England come from behind to beat the Netherlands, keeping Team GB’s Olympic hopes alive

Beth Mead made her return to international football, whilst Victoria Pelova impressed for the Dutch



Player Ratings: England come from behind to beat the Netherlands, keeping Team GB’s Olympic hopes alive

Beth Mead was introduced by Sarina Wiegman at half time. Credit- Jacques Feeney/Offside


Two goals in two minutes helped England recover from a 2-0 deficit to draw against the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium.

Lineth Beerensteyn’s first half brace was cancelled out by quick-fire goals from Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp, before Ella Toone completed the comeback in stoppage time.

Victoria Pelova was the only Arsenal player to start at Wembley, but Beth Mead and Alessia Russo were impactful from the bench for the Lionesses.

Player ratings:

Mary Earps 4.5/10

Captained the Lionesses with Millie Bright and Arsenal star Leah Williamson out injured. Rightly criticised for Beerensteyn’s second goal, which simply had to be kept out by the England goalkeeper. Made an important stop to deny Martens late on.

Niamh Charles 4.5/10

Given a torrid time at left-back by Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova.

Alex Greenwood 5/10

Shown a yellow card for bringing down Pelova in the first half. Beaten too easily by the lively Beerensteyn for her second goal.

Jess Carter 4.5/10

Allowed the ball to bounce in behind her from Martens’ flick on, meaning Beerenstyen could run onto it and score her second. Substituted midway through the second half.

Lucy Bronze 6/10

One of too many underperforming England stars on the night, but was able to push forward in the second half where she was more effective.

Keira Walsh 5.5/10

More involved in the second half as England raced back into the game.

Georgia Stanway 8/10

A key player at Wembley, with her tenacity proving important in a hard-fought midfield battle. An excellent header to pull a goal back for England, before assisting Hemp a minute later.

Lauren James 6/10

Never really found her rhythm despite being in good WSL form- wasteful in front of goal, but picked out Stanway for her header with a great cross from the left.

Fran Kirby 6/10

Played in the number ten role with Kelly upfront and was often demanding the ball in good positions but not receiving it.

Lauren Hemp 7/10

Denied by an excellent save from van Domselaar when her left footed effort looked destined for the bottom corner. However, the officials gave a goal kick, and the Dutch then scored up the other end less than a minute later. Equalised for England on her 50th appearance for the Lionesses with a curled finish into the bottom corner.

Chloe Kelly 5/10

Came close to pulling a goal back with a powerful effort moments after the Dutch went 2-0 up. Replaced at half time.

Beth Mead (Sub, half time) 6.5/10

Back in England colours for the first time since her lengthy ACL injury. Involved in England’s equaliser with a smart pass into Stanway, clearly benefiting from her excellent return to action for Arsenal, which culminated in a brace versus West Ham on Sunday.

Esme Morgan (Sub, 63’) 5.5/10

Replaced Carter at left centre-back and will be pleased with her display.

Alessia Russo (Sub, 68’) 6/10

The Arsenal striker, or perhaps Rachel Daly, arguably should have started this game, with Sarina Wiegman’s starting lineup dominated in the first half.

Ella Toone (Sub, 68’) 7/10

A large deflection off of Dijkstra almost saw Toone’s shot find the top corner at 2-2. Won the game in the 91st minute with a calm finish at the back post!

Rachel Daly (Sub, 86’)

Victoria Pelova 8/10

Started at right wing-back for the Netherlands, her usual position for her national side. Assisted Lineth Beerensteyn with a perfectly weighted curled through ball that caught the England defence off guard. Could her stellar midfield displays for Arsenal see the former Ajax talent be deployed in the middle of the park for the Dutch soon? Her movement and quick feet caused many problems for Chelsea left-back Niamh Charles- the two will come face to face at the Emirates next weekend.


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