Toone scores winner for England

Saturday 02 December 2023 10:30

Manchester United Women's midfielder Ella Toone grabbed a dramatic late winner for her country, as England beat the Netherlands 3-2 at Wembley in their latest UEFA Women's Nations League group-stage tie on Friday.

It looked as though it could be a tough evening at Wembley for Sarina Wiegman's side, as they found themselves two goals down at the interval courtesy of a Lineth Beerensteyn double.

Despite this, fortunes turned. Just after the hour mark, the Lionesses were level again through goals from Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp.

The game was set up for a hero, and that hero duly arrived in the form of our very own Ella Toone.

Help Skinner and Toone win WSL awards

 Article

Marc and Ella have been nominated for the league's monthly accolades - find out how you can vote.

The Reds midfielder began the game from the bench, replacing goalscorer Stanway in the 68th minute. 

Determined to make an impact on the game, our no.7 had to wait until injury time to pop up with her goal.

A cross from deep by former United team-mate Lauren James met Toone, who had made a spectacular run to the far post which went undetected by the visitors.

She dispatched the finish with expert calmness, needing only one touch to slot the ball through the legs of Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and into the back of the net. 

Wembley Stadium erupted for the last-gasp winner, but there was no time to celebrate for the determined Toone, rushing back to her own half for the restart immediately after the goal.

It was too late for a response from the opponents, meaning the 24-year-old had secured all three points for her country in front of a mammoth 71,632 fans.

The victory took the Lionesses to second in Group 1 of the Nations League, now level on points with group leaders the Netherlands as we head towards the final game of the group stage.

Up next for England is a heated contest at Hampden Park, where they are set face Scotland on Tuesday 5 December, scheduled for a 19:45 GMT start.

Recommended: