England 2-1 Italy: Rachel Daly double helps England avoid Italy scare
- Published
Rachel Daly has scored 10 goals in 13 appearances for Aston Villa in the Women's Super League this season
Rachel Daly scored twice as England survived a scare from Italy in Coventry to win their second match of the Arnold Clark Cup.
The Aston Villa striker, 31, was given the nod up front in place of Manchester United's Alessia Russo and delivered with two crucial headers either side of the break.
Daly nodded in Katie Robinson's cross to make it 1-0, but Italy rocked the hosts with a surprise equaliser in controversial fashion as Sofia Cantore bundled in a cross which appeared to go out of play.
Despite protests from the Lionesses, including defender Maya Le Tissier who had slid in attempting to block the cross, there was no goalline technology at the CBS Arena to confirm the decision.
England regrouped, however, with Daly once again providing a crucial impact, heading in substitute Lauren James' cross to restore their lead.
"I haven't seen the footage back but that's not really important. The decision had been made so we had to move on and score a second goal," said manager Sarina Wiegman.
"Maybe the goal was out of bounds but we don't have VAR so you have to keep going."
Daly went off to a standing ovation shortly after scoring her second in front of 32,128 - a record attendance for a sporting event at the arena - and England comfortably held on to make it two wins from two in the tournament they won last year.
Wiegman's side travel to Bristol on Wednesday for their final match against Belgium and success would seal the defence of their title just five months out from the Women's World Cup.
Italy, who narrowly lost 2-1 to Belgium in their opening match, face South Korea next.
Belgium, currently second in the group on goal difference, beat Korea 2-1 later on Sunday to set up a showdown for the title with England.
England tested as Daly proves herself again
Daly, used as a left-back throughout Euro 2022, has been a regular starter under Wiegman, but rarely used in the natural attacking role she plays for her club.
However, her outstanding form for Villa this season, where she has scored 10 goals in 13 Women's Super League matches, has made it hard for the England boss to ignore.
Daly came on as a substitute for forward Russo in the opening victory over South Korea and started at Coventry, given another opportunity to make her mark in her preferred position.
She ultimately made the difference with her two strikes, but should have had more, missing several headers in both halves, having caused problems for the Italian defence with her high pressing.
England on the whole were completely dominant, but were tested more than they had been in their 4-0 win over South Korea as goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck was forced into an early save from Valentina Giacinti.
Defender Alex Greenwood, named captain with Leah Williamson an unused substitute, also had to use her pace to make a recovery tackle when Giacinti almost escaped with a ball over the top.
Italy's ability to transition with pace caused some problems and their goal was a test of England's nerve.
But Wiegman will be pleased with her side's response as they extended their unbeaten run to 28 matches and are in a strong position to win a third successive tournament under the Dutchwoman.
"I think it's a good [lesson]," she said. "They equalised when we had controlled the game, but in that moment lost a little bit of control.
"To learn was really good but of course you don't want to concede and that's part of the game."