Debinha double defeats Lionesses

Jordan Nobbs was back from injury for England
Jordan Nobbs pressured by Formiga, with two-goal Debinha looking on. (Photo: Scott Heppell for The FA)

England Women were beaten 2-1 by Brazil in front of a record crowd outside of Wembley Stadium in the friendly international at Middlesbrough FC. 

England began well and had the ball in the net on 9 minutes when Beth Mead’s cross led to Jodie Taylor eventually turning it over the line but it was ruled out for offside.

Mead beat two defenders before curling a shot wide from a tight angle and Taylor fired over the bar when through on goal.

Mead was again involved and almost directed a Jordan Nobbs cross on target, while all that Mary Earps had to do in the first half was catch a lofted Beatrice strike.

However, shortly after the interval Tamires turned Parris inside out and crossed for Debinha whose header squeezed under Earps.

Brazil doubled their lead on 66 minutes, Debinha again finding the net but this time with a deflected effort looping over Earps and in.

Beth England came off the bench and within 7 minutes had her first England goal, meeting Steph Houghton long ball with a fine header to get the Lionesses back in the match.

Beth England celebrates her goal against Brazil.
Bethany England of England celebrates scoring against Brazil. (Photo: Chloe Knott for The FA)

Moments later and England could not quite get enough on Mead’s delivery and then Lucy Staniforth looked to be levelling but Barbara made a fine save.

England: 13 Earps, 2 Bronze, 5 Houghton, 6 Williamson, 3 Greenwood, 8 Scott, 4 Walsh, 7 Parris (19 Staniforth, 73′), 10 Nobbs, (12 Daly, 57′), 11 Mead, 9 Taylor (18 England, 73′)

Unused substitutes: 1 Telford, 15 Mannion, 16 Bonner, 17 Lawley, 21 Roebuck.

Attendance: 29, 230

Lionesses visit Portugal on Tuesday

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