Parris penalty restores parity after Lionesses lose two-goal lead

Nikita Parris celebrates scoring from the spot
Nikita Parris celebrates making it 3-3 from the spot. (Photo: Lynne Cameron for The FA)

England rescued a draw from their friendly in Belgium having thrown away a 2-0 lead, as Nikita Parris levelled from the spot late on.

Jodie Taylor got on the end of Georgia Stanway’s precise ball to the edge of the six-yard box to open the scoring on 22 minutes and might have had her second goal soon after.

Taylor was through on goal and although her shot was parried, Beth Mead followed up for a simple finish.

Steph Houghton’s free-kick came back of the post before Belgium were allowed back into the game by Carly Telford’s own goal and an Ella van Kerkhoven header right on half-time.

When Houghton failed to get enough on a clearance, Van Kerkhoven made it 3-2 to threaten a rare win for the Red Flames over the Lionesses.

However, Janice Cayman was penalised for handball in the box and Parris dispatched the spot-kick into the roof of the net.

Beth Mead celebrates giving England a 2-0 advantage
Beth Mead celebrates putting England 2-0 up in Leuven. (Photo: Lynne Cameron for The FA)

England are back in action on Tuesday in Norway, with the game live on BBC 2 and the BBC Sport website from 5pm.

Belgium: Evrard, Deloose (Missipo, 76) Jaques (Vande Velde 79), De Neve (Vanhaevermaet 66), Philtjens (Van Belle 66), Cayman, De Caigny (Vanmechelen 45), Van Kerkhoven, Wullaert (Van Gorpat 87)

England: Telford (Earps 63), Daly, Houghton, McManus, Stokes, Walsh (Williamson 87), Parris (Staniforth 75), Bronze, Stanway (Williams 56), Mead, Taylor (England 75)

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