Frustration for England

Australia’s Clare Polkinghorne netted a late equaliser as England Women were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in their international friendly at Craven Cottage.

England had two strong penalty appeals turned down, a goal disallowed and another effort deemed not to have crossed the line after taking an early lead through Fran Kirby.

The impressive ex-Sunderland star Beth Mead was at the heart of much of their good play and had three early chances.

She first miscued after a deflected pass presented her with an unexpected opening but then tested Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with a neat flick. She went close again when she curled a low shot narrowly wide.

England went ahead when Mead broke into the box and squared for Kirby to blast past Arnold.

England almost had a second after captain Steph Houghton’s powerful header was pushed out by Arnold and Mead pounced on the rebound. Mead claimed she had poked home before Arnold clawed it away but no goal was given.

England had the ball in the net through Lucy Staniforth but she was controversially ruled offside.

Mead then appeared to be fouled by Caitlin Foord in the area but nothing was given.

Nikita Parris was then felled by Foord as she raced through on goal on another break but, again, no penalty was given.

England’s frustrations were compounded when Polkinghorne rose to head in from a corner.