England 6-1 Belgium: Lionesses extend unbeaten run to retain Arnold Clark cup

England have successfully protected their Arnold Clark Cup after a tremendous victory over Belgium in the final on Wednesday.

The Lionesses were unbeaten in all three games in the competition as they extended their unbeaten run to 29 games

Chloe Kelly stole the show as she came close a few times before finally breaking the deadlock with a tap-in and Leah Williamson headed in to give the lionesses a two-goal lead before half-time. Kelly then went on to score another in the second half as she became the tournament’s top scorer with 3 goals in the tournament.

The Lionesses seemed more than ready for the final as they showed complete dominance of the game from the start till the end. The fourth goal came in from Julie Biesman’s own goal and then the fifth from an unruffled finish by Lucy Bronze from a set-piece.

Belgium’s only shot on target ruined Mary Earps clean sheet as Elena Dhont’s brilliant curler into the top corner gave Belgium what seemed like a consolation goal in the match.

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Leah Williamson had a beautiful evening as she netted the last goal of the game to make it 6-1 at the end of the match. England’s preparation for the Women’s World Cup continues at ease as they cruise over in the Arnold Clark Cup. With the tournament kicking off in July in Australia and New Zealand, the Lionesses have maintained brilliant form as they are now unbeaten in 29 games. They conceded just two goals in the Arnold Clark Cup, the other one in a close-edge victory against Italy.

England’s unbeaten run extended

The Lionesses have had a great run of form as they have now extended their unbeaten run to 29 games. Although they only needed a draw to seal the title as they have been on top since the start of the competition, they stamped a 6-1 victory over Belgium.

Wiegman wanted to use this tournament to evaluate her squad as she made 18 changes to her starting line-up in three games in the tournament. Needing no more than a point to secure the trophy, they were off to a flyer as Lauren James’ outrageous run was deflected for Chloe Kelly to get a tap-in.

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With the addition of Lauren James to the squad, England seemed to have strengthened up as she was rightfully awarded the player of the tournament. She was a constant threat throughout the competition and defenders could not handle her creativity and clever movement on the ball.

James told ITV afterward, “It has been a great week, one I have dreamt about and I can’t ask for anymore. I have still got work to do but I have confidence at the moment and have to continue with that. It is an amazing feeling and I am just happy to be a part of it. This tournament sets us on a good road, but we have to keep looking at each game as it comes and play well at the World Cup in the summer.”

The lionesses entertained throughout the competition as they were unbeaten in this one and the previous one in February 2022.

“I think we are in a good place and the competition in the team is really strong, we still have five months to go but we know we have to step up more because the World Cup will be more of a challenge,” said Wiegman.