February internationals: How are the Reds faring?
Ten Manchester United Women players have been flying the flag for their nations, in the second round of fixtures of the February international break.
In recent days, six different nations have been represented by Marc Skinner’s Reds, with invitational tournaments going on across the globe.
On Sunday, Maya Le Tissier earned her second England cap and played 90 minutes as the Lionesses defeated Italy 2-1 to maintain their 100 per cent record in this year’s Arnold Clark Cup. Fellow Red Katie Zelem was introduced at half-time and captained her nation in the closing stages.
Alessia Russo, Mary Earps and Ella Toone were all unused substitutes, while young United goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, on loan at Everton, has returned to the Toffees with an ankle injury. England can retain the trophy with a point against Belgium on Wednesday.
Loved playing in front of the home crowd today! Great atmosphere to top off the win. @Lionesses 👏🏻💜 pic.twitter.com/9wsM2nCQKD
— Maya Le Tissier (@MayaLeTissier) February 19, 2023
Special moments🤍 @Lionesses pic.twitter.com/BWIIl0tFM9
— Katie Zelem (@katiezelem) February 19, 2023
Our January loan signing played 81 minutes and registered the assist for Les Bleus' fourth goal of the game, scored by Real Madrid’s Sandie Toletti.
Having defeated Denmark in their opening game of the home tournament, France can be crowned champions again – they won both of the previous editions – by picking up a point against Norway on matchday three.
Our pair were both involved from the off as Norway lost 2-0 to Denmark on Saturday, but a win in their opening game over Uruguay ensures they are still in the hunt for the trophy.
Late on Sunday night, and into the early hours of Monday morning (UK time), Adriana Leon helped Canada bounce back from a 2-0 defeat to the USA in their SheBelieves Cup opener by beating Brazil by the same scoreline.
The United forward played just over an hour for her nation - who can still win the competition when they next play on Wednesday - but Canada must get the better of Japan in their next fixture and hope the USA lose to Brazil, as well as having a healthier goal difference than both of the latter two countries.
In Spain, our Reds are continuing to strive for Pinatar Cup glory. Hayley Ladd started and Carrie Jones - on loan at Leicester came off the bench for Wales as they drew 0-0 with Iceland. Young United goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel wasn’t involved, three days on from making her senior international debut in their tournament opener against the Philippines.
Scotland won 2-1 against the Philippines, with United’s Martha Thomas and Kirsty Hanson - who is on loan at Aston Villa - both playing their part.
Both Scotland and Wales are still in with a chance of winning it all, ahead of their matchday three showdown tomorrow (14:05 GMT). The two nations are each behind leaders Iceland – Wales on goal difference, Scotland by a point – ahead of that fixture in the final round of matches.