Grace Clinton stars on international debut as England crush Austria following Nations League disappointment

England crushed Austria 7-2 in an international friendly match in Spain on Friday night.

There was a debut goal for Grace Clinton, making her debut for Sarina Wiegman’s side, as England made the most of a warm-weather training camp this month in Marbella.

Clinton is on loan from Manchester United to fellow WSL side Tottenham this season, and she headed home England’s second goal, having also hit the woodwork beforehand.

There were also two goals each for Alessia Russo and Beth Mead, while Jess Carter and Rachel Daly also scored.

Both of Austria’s goals came from set pieces, hinting at more work to be done by England.

Russo scored first for a determined England side, and with the score at 2-0, Virginia Kirchberger headed in to reduce the deficit from a corner.

England were in Spain as they had no competitive games ahead of them in the near term after failing to qualify for the Olympic Games to be held in Paris later this year. Their next major tournament will be Euro 2025 - assuming they qualify.

In wet conditions, England grew into the game and could barely stop scoring.

England will play another friendly on Tuesday, coming up against Italy on Tuesday as they look to move on from the Women’s Nations League disappointment where failure cost Team GB an Olympics place.

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