Roebuck cock-up is costly
ELLIE ROEBUCK’S late error meant England were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-player Norway as they signed off a historic year in frustrating fashion.
The Lionesses’ keeper missed an 80th-minute clearance, allowing Arsenal’s Frida Maanum to level, after England had controlled most of the contest in Spain.
A new-look side took the lead in Murcia when Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly netted her ninth goal in 11 games for both club and country this season.
Daly, who played at left-back in the triumphant Euros campaign, was given her chance up front and glanced home Chloe Kelly’s perfect cross in the 33rd minute.
Sarina Wiegman had made five changes but her team ran the opening 45, Nikita Parris and Lauren James going close before Daly flicked home the breakthrough.
Norway wing-back Anja Sonstevold then saw red on 72 minutes after a pair of cynical fouls on Parris earned two yellow cards.
That appeared to set England on course for an 18th win of the year until Roebuck, in for regular keeper Mary Earps, failed to clear a long ball giving substitute Maanum an open goal.
However, the win extends the Lionesses’ unbeaten run under Wiegman to 26 games.