England win 2019 SheBelieves Cup, USA is runner up
England won the SheBelieves Cup for the first time after defeating Japan 3-0 in their final match in Tampa.
Jodie Taylor set up Lucy Staniforth (pictured above) to fire England into an early lead in the 12th minute with a fine low finish from outside the area. Karen Carney then doubled the lead in the 23rd minute when she nodded in Taylor’s cross from the right hand side. Beth Mead then fired in a third seven minutes later to give England an unassailable lead and their hands on the cup for the first time.
England deservedly won the competition after beating Brazil 2-1 in Pennsylvania and then drawing 2-2 with hosts the USA in Tennessee to ensure they topped the four-team round-robin competition.
The other game on Tuesday night the USA narrowly beat Brazil 1-0 with a Tobin Heath goal in the 20th minute to take the runners up spot.
‘It was a sensational performance,’ Phil Neville (pictured above), England Head Coach said in the after game press conference. ‘I wasn’t that bothered before the tournament whether we won or lost, I just wanted to see an improvement and we go home knowing we are definitely in the right direction.’
‘We just keep listening to USA, Japan and Brazil talk about how good we are. But we remain humble, have fun and enjoy moments like this. You don’t get many chances to get your hands on a trophy. It is my first as a manager so I am just going to enjoy it.’
England kick off their World Cup campaign in France against Scotland on June 9 and will also meet Japan again in the group stages.
More photos from 2019 SheBelieves Cup at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
