Northern Ireland suffer heavy defeat in England friendly

White struck twice in the first half in clinical fashion before completing her treble in the 48th minute, taking her international tally to 37 goals.

The Lionesses had not played since March last year after scheduled matches against Germany and Norway were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Norway midfielder Riise took charge of England for the first time, with Holland boss Sarina Wiegman due to take over permanently in September following Phil Neville’s departure last month.

England had two opportunities inside the first five minutes, with goalkeeper Becky Flaherty quick off her line to deny White the chance to get the shot away.

But White did not have to wait long for her first goal as, after being played in on the left, she took one touch before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

In the 23rd minute the Lionesses doubled their lead when White was played in expertly by Lucy Bronze who drove forward down the right before passing to the 31-year-old, who flicked the ball past Flaherty.

Bronze then found the net herself for England’s third when the visitors were caught trying to play out from the back, with Lauren Hemp regaining possession before finding Bronze who was able to poke home from a few yards out.

White had an opportunity to secure a first-half hat-trick in the 43rd minute after picking up a loose pass, but the Northern Ireland keeper was able to deny her.

On her 150th cap for her country, Jill Scott turned provider for White’s third, picking out the Manchester City forward with a well-weighted ball. White’s first touch took her away from the defender before she fired into the roof of the net.

The 34-year-old Scott made her debut against Holland in 2006 and only Fara Williams, who won 172 caps, has played more times for England.

The Lionesses netted their fifth in the 67th minute when Rachel Daly beat a defender before putting the ball in.

Ella Toone scored on her England debut, placing the ball into the bottom corner from the penalty spot after Chloe Kelly was brought down in the box.

READ MORE:

Danske Bank Premiership Team of the Week

Niall Owens highlights journey from Ballinamallard to California

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor