ENGLAND RON RIGHT TRACK
ENGLAND’S fringe players re-wrote the history books as they booked a Euro 2017 quarter-final date with France.
Goals from Toni Duggan and Nikita Parris at the start of each half helped Mark Sampson’s muchchanged side become the first England squad since Ron Greenwood’s 1982 World Cup campaign to win all three group games at a major tournament.
Duggan chipped home from 25 yards on her 50th cap after Portugal keeper Patricia Morais kicked the ball straight to her in the fifth minute.
Carolina Mendes equalised – the first goal England have conceded at this tournament – in the 17th minute, but Parris secured victory just after the restart.
The Manchester City star latched on to Izzy Christiansen’s pass to beat two players and nutmeg Morais. Sampson made 10 changes and the back-up players struggled to impose themselves despite only needing a point to win Group D.
There was a lack of cohesion about England’s play, but at least Sampson has allowed his firstchoice players a rest for Sunday’s clash against France.
But France’s head coach reckons England will not fancy the challenge.
“England are a great team, but they did not want to face us,” said Olivier Echouafni. “They play a fast attacking game, but we are more than equal opponents and they know it well.”
Scotland crashed out despite beating Spain 1-0.
ENGLAND: Chamberlain 6, A Scott 6, Bassett 6, Bright 6 (Nobbs 60, 6), Greenwood 7, Potter 7, Williams 5, Carney 7, Duggan 6 (Stokes 81), Christiansen 5, Parris 7.