Summary

  • FT: England 7-2 Austria - Alessia Russo (2), Beth Mead (2), Grace Clinton, Jess Carter and Rachel Daly on target for Lionesses

  • Clinton was making senior England debut

  • Virginia Kirchberger scores both goals for Austria

  • Lionesses face Italy in second friendly on Tuesday as part of a warm-weather training camp in Marbella

  1. Thanks for tuning inpublished at 22:10 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    That's all from us for this evening after a dominant victory for England against Austria.

    Just as she said herself - it was a dream debut for Grace Clinton, with the 20-year-old scoring on her first England appearance.

    We'll be back with more Lionesses action on Tuesday (17:00 GMT kick-off) when England take on Italy in the second of their two friendlies in Spain.

    For now, I'll leave you with Emma Sanders' report from Estadio Nuevo Mirador.

    England celebrate after beating AustriaImage source, Getty Images
  2. 'Full focus is on the Euro qualifiers and the Euros next year'published at 22:08 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    England

    England manager Sarina Wiegman on this being a good start to the year after the disappointment of missing out on the Olympics, speaking to ITV 1: "We always want to go to major tournaments, so it was a disappointment, but we move forwards. In December we had a very good camp as well, two very good games, very intense games and we did well, but of course we know the Netherlands scored one goal more than we did [and went through].

    "Everyone was gutted about that but now we have to move on. We have the opportunity to play these friendlies, see many players, lots that we saw today, many new combinations. We have another on Tuesday, which will be tough against Italy. That is another opportunity.

    "Then the full focus is on the Euro qualifiers, starting with these friendlies, for the Euros next year."

  3. 'A dream debut for Clinton'published at 22:05 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    England

    England manager Sarina Wiegman speaking to ITV 1: "I'm just really happy with this game. The way we played, the intentions we had, the dominance we wanted to have on the pitch. The defence pressed high and won the ball high up the pitch and then play from there. Most of the game we did that.

    "We scored seven goals, which is really good. We created lots of chances. Could even have scored from a corner, they made a good save.

    "I am happy with the seven goals of course, but there are also some little things we are not happy with. We conceded two goals from corners, one we didn't block well and second we didn't get the header. We could have done better on both, there are always things you want to improve.

    On debutant Grace Clinton: "It is a dream debut for her, scored and played well too. As I said she did really well in training and has been playing well for Tottenham as well. I think she enjyed herself, it was a good goal, I am very happy for her.

    "I think they all [debutants] did well. A lot of times it looked simple today but we played really well because Austria is a very good team and we didn't give them the space. You saw at moments when they did get space they became dangerous. Everyone played a part in the game including those who came on the pitch. I am really happy with the performances."

  4. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:01 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Mead was great today, strong on the wing and fast on the ball.

    Dawn

  5. 'What dreams are made of'published at 21:58 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    England

    England midfielder Grace Clinton speaking to ITV 1: "Definitely a dream debut. What dreams are made of you know, so I'm very happy.

    On her goal: "Yeah [I have pictured scoring], did not think that the goal would be with my head but I'm just absolutely buzzing.

    Is it the best moment of her career so far?: "Definitely. Going into the game it was probably the biggest game of my career so far, so for it to go like that I am very happy.

    On playing a different position: "Sarina told me at the start of the week that she was going to try me in the number 8 [role]. I am open to a challenge, it is nicer to be deeper on the pitch and get on the ball more, that is what I want to do. To be in there playing with G [Georgia Stanway], Tooney [Ella Toone], they really helped me out a lot so it was nice.

    On being in the squad: "It is really competitive. There are some really great players in the squad, so to be in and around them is an unbelievable experience, so be competing in there, it is what you want to be doing.

    "My parents flew out for the game this morning so I can't wait to go and see them.

  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 21:55 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Good to see that we have a plan B if Keira Walsh was to get injured. Stanway did well playing Walsh’s position today. Good for Daly to get a goal. It’s been a tricky time for her at Villa this season so hopefully this has given her some confidence.

    Sadie

  7. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 21:52 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    #bbcfootball, text 81111 (UK only - standard rates apply) or WhatsApp 03301231826

    Stanway was the standout player playing out of position in Keira Walsh role and made it look easy.

    David

  8. 'Pleased Russo got a couple of goals'published at 21:49 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    Karen Carney
    Former England midfielder on ITV 1

    I was really pleased that Alessia Russo got on the scoresheet tonight.

    She does so much work for the team, sometimes to her own detriment, but her workrate, her hold up play, is always fantastic.

    She so deserved those couple of goals tonight.

  9. Postpublished at 21:46 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    England had 19 shots, 14 on target and 66% of the possession.

    Austria had just eight shots, four of which hit the target.

    A dominant display from Sarina Wiegman's side.

    Sarina Wiegman speaks to the squad at full time.Image source, Getty Images
  10. get involved

    Who impressed the most? - Get Involvedpublished at 21:43 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    FT: England 7-2 Austria

    A big win for England tonight, even with some changes being made to the side. Who was the most impressive of the Lionesses players today?

    Let us know who you think, and any other thoughts, via #bbcfootball on X, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or by texting 81111 (UK only, texts will be charged at your standard message rate).

    Please remember to leave names with your messages.

  11. FULL-TIMEpublished at 21:40 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    England 7-2 Austria

    A very comfortable victory for England.

    England players celebrate another goal as Austria players trudge back to kick off.Image source, Getty Images
  12. Postpublished at 90+5 mins

    England 7-2 Austria

    England aren't happy with seven!

    Keira Walsh sends the ball towards Lauren James but it bounces awkwardly and she can't reach it.

  13. 'Terrific strike from Daly'published at 21:39 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    England 7-2 Austria

    Lucy Ward
    Former Leeds striker on ITV 1

    Terrific strike from Rachel Daly, one on one with the goalkeeper.

    She will have been disappointed not to start tonight, Alessia Russo is a fantastic number nine though. When you come on as goalscorer you want to make that impact and get a goal, and she has.

  14. goal

    GOAL - England 7-2 Austriapublished at 21:37 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    Rachel Daly (90+3 mins)

    Daly kisses her armband that reads 'Dad' to dedicate her goal to her late father.Image source, Getty Images

    She wasn't going to miss from there!

    England have seven. The ball is played over the top of the Austria defence and met by Rachel Daly, who is left completely unmarked.

    She saunters into the box before blasting past Manuela Zinsberger. Never in doubt.

  15. Postpublished at 90+2 mins

    England 6-2 Austria

    Ooh. Laura Feiersinger tries to score Austria's third with a wicked strike from range, but she can't direct it properly despite getting power behind her effort and it's caught by Hannah Hampton.

    Feiersinger dribbles in midfield with Toone in pursuit.Image source, Getty Images
  16. 'Make sure to follow the ball in, just in case'published at 21:35 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    England 6-2 Austria

    Lucy Ward
    Former Leeds striker on ITV 1

    Lauren James just glides forward with the ball and is unlucky to hit the post instead of tuck the ball into the corner.

    When you're a forward you make sure to follow the ball in towards goal 'just in case.' That was the case there from Beth Mead and she gets her second goal of the game.

  17. INJURY TIMEpublished at 90+1 mins

    England 6-2 Austria

    Five minutes are added on at the end of the second half.

    Will we see any more goals?

  18. Postpublished at 90 mins

    England 6-2 Austria

    England have scored six goals in back-to-back games - they beat Scotland 6-0 in their last match.

  19. goal

    GOAL - England 6-2 Austriapublished at 21:33 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    Beth Mead (89 mins)

    Mead is congratulated on her second goal of the game.Image source, Getty Images

    England strike back straight away!

    Lauren James is in the perfect position, running through on goal, but she hits the near post.

    It doesn't matter, though, as the rebound bounces to the feet of Beth Mead who is ready and waiting to tap into the open net.

  20. goal

    GOAL - England 5-2 Austriapublished at 21:32 Greenwich Mean Time 23 February

    Virginia Kirchberger (88 mins)

    A consolation goal for Austria.

    They've had moore momentum over the past 10 minutes or so, and Virginia Kirchberger has her second goal of the game.

    She meets a cross and sends another header past Hannah Hampton.