Competitive squad makes Riise happy

HEGE Riise admits that she has some tough choices ahead after watching England Women thrash Northern Ireland 6-0 in her first game in temporary charge at St George’s Park, where Ellen White scored a hat-trick.

The Lionesses had not played since March last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, with matches against Germany and Norway cancelled. However, they wasted little time in Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors friendly.

Manchester City striker White, below, struck twice in the first half, when Lucy Bronze was also on target, before completing her treble in the 48th minute to take her tally of international goals to 37. Rachel Daly added another from close range, and Ella Toone marked her debut with the sixth from a spot-kick with 15 minutes left. Jill Scott, meanwhile, made her 150th England appearance, becoming only the second women’s player to reach the tally.

Riise, who is in temporary change with Netherlands boss Sarina Wiegman due to take over permanently in September, feels there is plenty to be positive about heading on into 2021.

“I think the performance was excellent. It looked fun,” she said. “You see the character. They were fighting for 90 minutes.

“We have a competitiveness in the squad and we are working towards something which we can achieve. This is really a good group of players which we can select from.”

Due to the unavailability of a late enough deadline, we are unable to report on last night’s EFL matches involving Bristol City, Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town.

See tomorrow’s for reaction to the games.