Lucy Bronze played a decisive role as England defeated Australia 3-0 at Pride Park. The hosts capitalised after Australia went down to 10 players early, with Bronze contributing to two goals.
The match took a worrying turn in the 80th minute when Michelle Agyemang suffered an apparent knee injury. Medical staff treated the 19-year-old on the pitch for several minutes before she left on a stretcher to a standing ovation. Agyemang later departed the stadium on crutches.
Earlier, Australia’s Alanna Kennedy received a straight red card in the 19th minute for denying Alessia Russo a clear scoring chance. It marked the second time in four days that England’s opponents had been reduced to 10 players, but this time Sarina Wiegman’s side took full advantage.
Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones opened the scoring from the resulting free-kick. Bronze then doubled the lead on her 34th birthday, calmly slotting Ella Toone’s cross into the corner. Georgia Stanway sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty after VAR confirmed Missy Bo Kearns had been tripped inside the box.
England Celebrate Euro Triumph with Dominant Display
England’s confident performance came during their “homecoming series,” a four-match celebration of their Euro 2025 title. The win ensured that Wiegman’s team maintained their unbeaten streak of avoiding consecutive losses in 72 matches under her leadership.
Among five changes to the lineup, Wiegman handed debuts to Aston Villa’s Lucia Kendall and Arsenal’s Taylor Hinds. Both impressed with composed and energetic displays. Kendall’s assured passing and movement stood out, while Hinds defended solidly and contributed to attacks down the flank.
Bronze, returning from a fractured tibia, looked sharp in her first start of the season. Her goal and assist underlined her influence and experience, offering further encouragement for Chelsea and England fans.
Debutants Impress Amid Growing Injury Concerns
Wiegman fielded a makeshift squad after a series of injuries forced key players out. Grace Clinton and Jess Park’s absences opened the door for Kendall, who adapted seamlessly to international football. The 21-year-old hit the crossbar in the second half and impressed with her intelligent positioning.
Hinds matched her debutant teammate’s composure, tracking back effectively and limiting Australia’s threat. Their performances will encourage Wiegman as she plans for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Following Agyemang’s injury, Beever-Jones left the field in the 82nd minute, leaving England to finish the game with 10 players after using all substitutions.
Captain Leah Williamson, Lauren Hemp, and Lauren James also missed the camp through injury. Wiegman will hope to have them available for England’s next friendlies against China and Ghana in November.
England’s display showed resilience, tactical control, and emerging depth — a promising sign as the European champions continue their preparations for the next global stage.
