Toone and Groenen go head to head
Manchester United Women midfielder Ella Toone scored for England on Friday night, as the Lionesses continued their preparations for Euro 2022 by beating the Netherlands - featuring her club colleague Jackie Groenen - 5-1 in a friendly.
Despite going behind at Elland Road, due to Lieke Martens’ first-half header, the hosts fought back and recorded a commanding win over the reigning European champions, with goals from Lucy Bronze, Toone, Lauren Hemp and a brace from Beth Mead guaranteeing the victory.
Toone was introduced on 64 minutes and the 22-year-old was on the scoresheet just eight minutes later, curling a brilliant effort beyond the helpless Sari van Veenendaal.
It was @ellatoone99 with England's third! 🙌
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 24, 2022
Watch the #Lionesses live on @ITV4. pic.twitter.com/PHC0kX1fUa
United team-mate Alessia Russo also joined the fray just after the hour-mark and assisted Mead’s second goal of the match in the 90th minute.
Groenen and Mary Earps played full 90 minutes for the Netherlands and England respectively, as the Lionesses laid down a marker ahead of the tournament.
Toone’s performance gives coach Sarina Wiegman a selection headache with just one friendly remaining – against Switzerland on 30 June - before the Lionesses’ Euros curtain-raiser at Old Trafford against Austria on 6 July.
OTHER INTERNATIONALS
Signe Bruun, who spent the second half of last season on loan at United, started Denmark’s 2-1 home win over Brazil, while Ona Batlle’s Spain and a Norway side featuring Maria Thorisdottir and Vilde Boe Risa are due to have friendlies of their own this Saturday evening. Spain host Australia, while Norway host New Zealand.
Meanwhile, another member of the United Women squad, Tara Bourne, has been called up to the Lionesses Under-19 squad for the upcoming Under-19 European Championships. Well done, Tara!