USA Women 2-0 England Women: Christen Press and Carli Lloyd secure victory for home side as Phil Neville’s Lionesses fall to defeat in opening SheBelieves Cup match in Orlando

  • England held the world champions to half-time stalemate in Orlando, Florida
  • A quickfire double in the second half then ended England’s hopes of a victory
  • Christen Press fired in stunning curling effort to get the ball rolling for the USA
  • Just two minutes later, Carli Lloyd then doubled the home side’s advantage

By Press Association Reporter

Published: | Updated:

Two goals in three second-half minutes were the difference as the USA saw off England Women 2-0 in their SheBelieves Cup opener.

Both sides had chances to open the scoring in the first 45 minutes, with England’s Nikita Parris failing to divert a header past Alyssa Naeher and Carly Telford equal to a dipping shot from Rose Lavelle.

But England’s defence of the cup was dealt a blow when Christen Press found the net with a curled effort from outside the box on 53 minutes. 

Christen Press (left) and Carli Lloyd scored a goal each just two minutes apart to win it for USA

Press turns away in celebration after firing in a wonderful opener for the world champions

Press turns away in celebration after firing in a wonderful opener for the world champions

Phil Neville watched on helplessly as his side conceded two quick-fire goals in the second half

Phil Neville watched on helplessly as his side conceded two quick-fire goals in the second half

MATCH FACTS

USA Women: Naeher, O’Hara, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn, Lavelle (Mewis 70), Ertz, Horan, Heath (Williams 70), Lloyd (McDonald 90), Press (Rapinoe 62)

Goals: Press 53, Lloyd 55

England Women: Telford, Williamson, Houghton, Bright, Greenwood, Walsh, Parris (Kelly 89), Scott (Nobbs 65), Stanway (Duggan 71), Hemp, White (England 78)

Referee: Odette Hamilton 

Carli Lloyd, who had an early chance saved by Telford, doubled the lead two minutes later after a neat pass from Lindsey Horan split the defence, with the World Cup holders comfortably seeing out the win.

Phil Neville’s side will go on to face Japan on Sunday, while the US play Spain.

More to follow. 

USA's players celebrate together after Press' opener just eight minutes into the second half

USA’s players celebrate together after Press’ opener just eight minutes into the second half

Jill Scott flies into a tackle with the USA's Julie Ertz (left) but England couldn't get the victory

Jill Scott flies into a tackle with the USA’s Julie Ertz (left) but England couldn’t get the victory

Carly Telford (right) made a wonderful save from Lindsey Horan in a goalless first half

Carly Telford (right) made a wonderful save from Lindsey Horan in a goalless first half

Nikita Parris (right) reacts after missing a chance in the opening SheBelieves Cup match

Nikita Parris (right) reacts after missing a chance in the opening SheBelieves Cup match

Press celebrates wildly with her team-mates in Orlando as USA got off to the perfect start

Press celebrates wildly with her team-mates in Orlando as USA got off to the perfect start



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