England kicked off their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign with a 8-0 win over North Macedonia at Southampton FC.
Ella Toone missed an open goal when heading wide but moments later opened the scoring, when sent through by captain Leah Williamson’s pass.
Beth Mead sliced wide when well-placed, Ellen White was denied by some brave goalkeeping by Suarta Dervishi but did finish when the ball broke to her 12 yards out on 42 minutes.
There was still time for a third before the break, Alex Greenwood’s cross forcing an own-goal from the unfortunate Julija Zivikj.
Lauren Hemp saw her header nodded over the bar, Greenwood went close from 25 yards but Leah Williamson was brought down for a penalty midway through the second half, with White confidently converting.
Jill Scott clipped the crossbar and when Nikita Parris’s shot was parried, Beth England was on hand to nod in the rebound.
Beth Mead’s ball into the six-yard box saw Sara Kolarovska turn it into her own net, Mead again delivering as England headed her second goal, then moments later found the net herself.
Next up for the Lionesses is Luxembourg away on Tuesday evening, with the game live on ITV4 from 7.15pm.
