Own goal finishes Lionesses as USA pip England to SheBelieves Cup title
Posted Thursday, March 08, 2018 by PA
England women finished runners-up in the SheBelieves Cup after a Karen Bardsley own goal saw USA emerge champions.
The Lionesses were hoping to take away one point from the match in Orlando to claim the title, but after confusion in defence in the 58th minute, a clearance attempt by Millie Bright hit keeper Bardsley to give USA a 1-0 lead.
England continued to pile on the pressure and an equaliser nearly arrived late in the game as Ellen White’s header came within inches of the goal, but bounced off the inside post.
Phil Neville, in his third match in charge of the women’s team, looked happy with the 0-0 scoreline at half-time.
It would have been enough to see his side lift the trophy on goal difference, after a 4-1 win over France followed by a 2-2 draw with Germany.
But the testing moments at the end of the first 45 minutes – as a powerful strike from Mallory Pugh fell wide of the post – extended into the second half.
Neville brought on Toni Duggan and Nikita Parris who both created chances, while the last-gasp effort came in the 87th minute when Lucy Bronze put in a free-kick to Izzy Christiansen before a cross to White.
The Birmingham City Ladies striker was left in disbelief as her header hit the post and bounced to Tierna Davidson who cleared the ball from the line.
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