England capitalise as technically-gifted Spain fail to breach defence

ENGLANDWOMEN

Kirby 2, Taylor 85

SPAIN WOMEN

2

Jodie Taylor scored her fourth goal in two games as England closed in on the quarter-finals with a victory over Spain.

Arsenal striker Taylor sealed a hard-fought win with another in rain-soaked Breda after Fran Kirby had given Mark Sampson’s side an early lead.

England were made to work harder than anticipated against technically-gifted opponents and ran themselves to a standstill after Kirby had ensured a dream start. Birmingham forward Ellen White’s slide-rule pass dissected Spain’s defence and Kirby kept her composure as she raced clear to side-foot the ball inside the near post.

England struck again in the seventh minute, but Ellie Bright’s header from Jordan Nobbs’ free-kick was harshly deemed offside.

Spain enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball and were patient with it, but failed to test England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley before the interval.

The pattern continued early in the second period and England’s fitness levels were truly tested. Spain probed and teased, but could not break England down.

England were given another big let-off in the 75th minute when referee Vitulano appeared to point to the penalty spot only to change her mind after White had slipped and inadvertently handled the ball.

Instead of handing the ball to Spain for the spot-kick, Vituano gave it to England goalkeeper Bardsley – to the fury of the Spanish bench.

England took full advantage and, when the ball broke for Taylor in the area with five minutes to go, she clinically clipped the ball home. 0 Fran Kirby: Opened the scoring for England Women