England edge Switzerland with early Grace Clinton strike

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How the USWNT and England fought to a historic draw at Wembley

Recap the USWNT's 0-0 draw with England in front of a record crowd for a women's international friendly match.

Dec 3, 2024, 04:51 pm

Grace Clinton scored the only goal during England's narrow 1-0 victory over Switzerland at Bramall Lane, ending the side's 2024 with on a high note.

Manager Sarina Wiegman opted for a very experimental side, making 10 changes to the starting XI following England's 0-0 draw with the United States on Saturday. After the stalemate, Manchester City's Jess Park was the only player to retain her place.

Clinton netted the decisive goal in the eighth minute, pouncing to find the back of the net after Manchester United teammate Millie Turner's header bounced off the post.

The United midfielder has now registered three goals in five appearances for England after making her debut in February.

Despite the heavily rotated side, with Ruby Mace and Laura Blindkilde-Brown both making debuts after earning their first call-ups for this camp, England were comfortable although still showed frailties in their attack.

Hannah Hampton, who replaced Mary Earps for this fixture, had little to do in the first half but was forced into a decisive save in the 54th minute to deny substitute Iman Beney as she charged down on goal, looking for an equaliser.

Switzerland began to grow into the game in the second half, able to engineer several chances, but the host's defence was able to subdue the threat.

Swiss substitute Meriame Terchoun almost levelled for the visitors after a flurry of positive possession and chances, but Hampton was able to tip the chance over the crossbar.

Grace Clinton scored the only goal of the match between England and Switzerland.
Harriet Lander - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

The Lionesses had plenty of opportunities to widen the scoreline, but they were unable to capitalise on their chances. A late chance from substitute Georgia Stanway rattled off the post, reflecting England's frustrations in front of goal.

The reigning European Champions finished a rocky 2024 with four friendlies to prepare to retain their crown at Euro 2025 in July, after securing their place in the tournament.

They lost 4-3 to Germany before beating South Africa 2-1 and drawing level with the current Olympic champions.

The Lionesses start 2025 with the Nations League campaign, where they face Portugal, Belgium and Spain, the reigning World Champions who defeated Wiegman's side in the 2023 World Cup final.