International friendly: Lionesses’ errors gift Canada victory

 

England Women fell to a second successive defeat as two defensive errors gifted Canada a 2-0 friendly victory Tuesday.

In what was England’s last chance to impress interim boss Hege Riise ahead of her Team GB squad announcement for the Tokyo Olympics, the Lionesses handed victory to a side who sit two places below them in the world rankings.

A third-minute defensive lapse from Demi Stokes was pounced upon by Evelyne Viens, who gave Canada the lead with a lofted finish over England goalkeeper Carly Telford.

Jordan Nobbs saw a free-kick tipped onto the bar by Canada goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe, and Lauren Hemp was denied a brilliant solo goal by a crucial last-gasp challenge from Vanessa Gilles as the Lionesses failed to get back into the game.

And, with five minutes remaining, their hopes were extinguished when experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley failed to clear the ball on her goal-line and Nichelle Prince bundled the decisive effort over the line.

England were keen to respond to Friday’s 3-1 defeat to France but found themselves behind inside three minutes.

It took England until the 80th minute to come close to getting back into the game, but Hemp was denied a brilliant solo goal by a crucial last-gasp challenge from Gilles.

Canada wrapped up the victory when Prince capitalised on another lapse in concentration to score a second.

Substitute goalkeeper Bardsley failed to clear a back pass from England captain Millie Bright, and Prince blocked the clearance and bundled the ball in on the goal-line.

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Despite the threat and creativity in midfield, with the likes of Nobbs and Stanway impressing, England were unable to capitalise and Canada saw out the game to secure the win.

Lionesses have won just four of their last 14 internationals