England U23s returned to winning ways in Stevenage on Tuesday night. Isobel Goodwin struck in the first half to earn the Young Lionesses a 1-0 victory in their latest U23 European International.
The Action
After the disappointment of their narrow 3-2 to Germany on Thursday night, England U23s continued their travels around the country to take on France. Stevenage’s Lamex Stadium was the venue for this European U23 International match with 2,809 in attendance.
Manager Emma Coates made four changes to the side that had started last week. Kayla Rendell came in between the sticks while Isobel Goodwin led the line. Olivia McLoughlin joined Maisie Symonds and captain Missy Bo Kearns in midfield with Missy Goodwin taking up her role down the left wing.
France were coming into this one themselves on the back of defeat – a 2-0 loss to Italy in Clairefontaine last week. Fabien Lefèvre team contained some familiar names including 21-year-old Vicki Becho who has already made her senior international debut at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The Young Lionesses struggled to settle in the first 20 minutes in a pretty even contest. Their first real opportunity came when Katie Robinson beat Fiona Liaigre for pace before finding Isobel Goodwin in the box. She beat the keeper with her first touch but could not keep the ball from running out of bounds, resulting in a shout of frustration from the forward. France followed with a spell of their own but England’s defence held strong, protected by the hard-working Symonds who excelled once again.
The breakthrough finally came with just over half an hour gone when the hosts did well to recycle possession off a cleared corner. Symonds found Kearns in space out on the right and the England captain sent in a pinpoint delivery for Isobel Goodwin to latch onto, stretching her neck out to head it past Marie Petiteau and then boot it into the French goal.
England were the stronger side in the second half and had the chance to make the scoreline more comfortable. Isobel Goodwin was denied her brace agonisingly by the post before Petiteau produced a series of good saves. Substitute Michelle Agyemang and McLoughlin also had good efforts blocked. In the end, the one goal was enough to see the Young Lionesses return to winning ways.
Stand Out Moment
Isobel Goodwin’s 34th minute goal proved to be the decider for England. It came during a good period from the Young Lionesses and Goodwin’s reading of the delivery was perfect. It was the 22-year-old’s first goal for the U23s – the smile on her face as she wheeled away said it all.
Back to winning ways 🙌
Watch highlights from tonight’s U23 #YoungLionesses win over France now! ⤵️
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) February 25, 2025
Stand Out Performance
Maisie Symonds has really come into her own this season and produced another stellar performance at the heart of England’s midfield. Her versatilty means she is able to play in the 6 or the 8 but she has been performing predominantly in the former for her county since Ruby Mace stepped up to the seniors. She offered considerable protection to the Young Lionesses’ defence, particularly in the first half, while also being the link as they shifted from defence to attack.
Quote of the Day
I’m really pleased for the girls tonight. There were things that we wanted to improve from the Germany game. I’m really proud of Izzy for getting her goal and I am really proud of the improvements.
Emma Coates, England U23s Head Coach
Teams
ENGLAND U23S
Kayla Rendell; Ella Morris, Naomi Layzell, Teyah Goldie, Anouk Denton; Missy Bo Kearns (c), Maisie Symonds, Olivia McLoughlin; Katie Robinson, Isobel Goodwin, Missy Goodwin
Subs: Khiara Keating; Emily Orman; Neve Herron; Katie Reid; Michelle Agyemang; Lexi Lloyd-Smith; Ruby Grant; Lucy Parry, Jessica Simpson, Lenna Gunning-Williams, Mia Enderby, Ashanti Akpan,
Manager: Emma Coates
FRANCE U23S
Marie Petiteau; Fiona Liaigre, Lena Goetsch, Jade Rastocle, Hilary Diaz; Judith Coquet, Margaux Le Mouel, Laurina Hannequin; Laurina Fazer (c); Hawa Sangare, Vicki Becho
Subs: Alice Pinguet; Marie-Morgane Sieber; Tara Elimbi Gilbert; Jade Le Guilly; Celina Ould Hocine; Alice Sombath; Naomi Bamenga Bofenda; Ann-Lou Joly; Sonia Ouchene; Madeline Roth; Cindy Caputo
Manager: Fabien Lefèvre
