Netherlands vs England LIVE: Women’s Nations League result and final score as Lionesses concede late goal
The Lionesses beat Scotland in their Nations League opener last week
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England boss Sarina Wiegman’s return to the Netherlands ended in defeat as Dutch substitute Renate Jansen’s superb late strike saw the Lionesses beaten 2-1 in their second Nations League group game.
Jansen rifled past Mary Earps in the 90th minute in Utrecht after Lieke Martens’ contentious first-half opener, which would likely have been ruled out had VAR been in operation, was cancelled out by Alessia Russo’s 64th-minute finish.
Both teams hit the woodwork late in the first half, Rachel Daly for the visitors and Linda Beerensteyn for the hosts.
Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar then made an excellent save to deny Lauren Hemp before Russo brought things level, but it was Jansen who had the final say on what proved a disappointing occasion for Wiegman in the battle between her current and former employers, both of whom she has guided to Euros glory and a World Cup final.
The result - only a third loss for England under Wiegman - leaves both the Lionesses and Andries Jonker’s Netherlands on three points in Group A1. Follow all the reaction from Netherlands vs England below and get the latest football odds and tips here.
FT - Netherlands 2-1 England
The obstacles on the road to Paris had appeared to be little more than potential. The Netherlands would always undoubtedly be the toughest task but after defeat by Belgium and an early World Cup exit their status became increasingly tenuous. England Women needed to make a statement and the circumstances would rarely be more favourable.
After all, the Lionesses impressed against Scotland, they brushed off the oft-levied concerns about fatigue. There were a handful of worrying instances in their Nations League opener but they had been fleeting at best. They weren’t supposed to follow it up like this.
A 2-1 defeat away from home presents more questions than answers for Sarina Wiegman. There’s no doubt this team are capable of great moments but they can’t afford to allow getting caught out to become a more regular occurrence.
Match report from Utrecht:
England aren’t used to losing - Lionesses must learn to kick the habit quickly
Netherlands 2-1 England: Alessia Russo equalised for the Lionesses but Renate Jansen lashed in a thunderous late winner
FT - Netherlands 2-1 England
Millie Bright speaking to ITV after the match:
“It’s hard because there were parts of the game we dominated. They were ruthless with their opportunities and we’ve gifted them two goals - it’s really disappointing on our behalf in games like this which really matter.
“We have to reflect but there’s still a lot to play for and the games will get harder. We have to get better as a team and develop.
“We just couldn’t find the way tonight.
“Periods of the game were really good, second half we were a different team, but when you give two goals like that it makes it really hard.”
FT - Netherlands 2-1 England
Jansen hadn’t scored an international goal for over two years before that late winner and it’s only her fifth in 58 caps - what a time to hit such a perfect, and apparently rare, strike.
FT - Netherlands 2-1 England
Belgium leading Scotland 1-0 at present, into the second half.
That means it’s down to third as it stands for the Lionesses, but with back-to-back Belgium matches in late October there’s still much which can change in Group A1.
FT - Netherlands 2-1 England
It’s all over! England were just a few minutes away from a really good away point, but one mis-step in midfield and a brilliant finish means they suffer defeat.
Netherlands move to three points in the group, level with the Lionesses after two games.
90+3’ - Netherlands 2-1 England
Doesn’t look like it’ll happen for England. Millie Bright has gone forward to play in attack but there’s not much service coming. Netherlands just a minute away from a big three points. England rushing it and there’s a foul throw - just about likely to eat up the remaining seconds.
90’ - Netherlands 2-1 England
Five minutes added on - can England find a way back into the match again?! They’ll have to be very quick.
GOAL! 89’ - Netherlands 2-1 England
And that’s surely the winner! Possession lost in midfield, one pass through the centre finds Jansen, just on the pitch, racing in behind Greenwood and she absolutely leathers a first-time finish past Earps, in off the crossbar - no chance for the keeper and that’s 2-1 in the last minute!
86’ - Netherlands 1-1 England
Jansen for Beerensteyn in another Dutch swap. Time rapidly running out for either nation to seize the three points; Netherlands are maybe just looking to push forward more now, with England more about the counter-attack in these closing stages.
82’ - Netherlands 1-1 England
Stanway goes for goal from distance but she’s well off-target this time. Into the final ten minutes; will the Lionesses look to settle for the point and know they stay three clear of Netherlands, or do they want a perfect start in this international break and gamble a little more?
Teams play each other twice in the Nations League so there’s certainly no immediate need to go for broke for Wiegman’s side.
Goalscorer Russo is heading off, replaced by Lauren James.
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