England vs South Africa LIVE: Result and reaction as Lionesses clinch narrow win

Leah Williamson and Grace Clinton scored in the first half to help England edge to a 2-1 victory over South Africa in Coventry.

England’s fast start was in contrast to their 4-3 defeat to Germany on Friday, which saw them three down in the first half-hour. Williamson’s goal on the occasion of her 50th cap gave England reward for their dominance before Clinton slammed home a header to give the Lionesses a two-goal lead heading into the break.

That was as good as it got for the hosts, who took their foot off the gas in the second period. Their defence has been questioned in recent months and they were unable to keep a clean sheet against a side 50th in the FIFA world rankings as Thembi Kgatlana halved the deficit.

England have been opened up repeatedly on the counter-attack in the last two matches and that concern will leave Sarina Wiegman with sleepless nights.

When asked about it she said: “We need to keep trying, keep playing football, keep playing forwards. Just feeling at the moment in transition, they really jumped on us. Just talk about it and move forward.”

Here are some thoughts from England boss Sarina Wiegman. She told ITV: “I thought after the first half it would be more straightforward. We played well in the first half, we had some stronger moments. We were a little too sloppy but we created some chances from corners.

“We scored a very good goal. Second half we got there but we were a little sloppy. They were smart on the counter-attack and it was hard for us.”

England’s next fixture is against the United States at Wembley on November 30th. Emma Hayes’ side are Olympic champions and are one of the best teams in the world.

This will be the biggest test for the Lionesses in a while and the basic mistakes the players are making will be heavily punished. Work to do in the next month or so.

Sarina Wiegman is giving her reaction to the game on ITV. There big thing she’s stressing is how England were ‘sloppy’ in their performance.

Full quotes to come.

Grace Clinton was asked whether she believed she can cement a starting berth at Euro 2025 next summer. She replied: “Everyone wants to play for England, for their country. I want to keep confident and keep getting goals.”

On starting at Euro 2025 being a target: “Yes, definitely.”

England midfielder Grace Clinton spoke to ITV after the match and said: “It was a tough game, South Africa are a great team. We expected them to be tough and we dealt with their individual qualities.

“It is a good night for me. I’m nice and confident and I’m happy to be there. She [Maya Le Tissier] actually looked up for me and everything. The ball was amazing, it was hard not to finish.

“I think they’re a really tough opposition. Their pace is crazy. We’ll go back and review the game together but it’s positive.”

No more goals in the second half for England despite bringing on the big guns. They still won the game but there were gaping holes and simple errors abundant in the Lionesses performance.

Lots for Sarina Wiegman to work on.

90+5 mins: England have done it!

They were made to work hard in the second half, especially after the goal from Kgatlana but their experience paid off and they’ve got the win they were after.