England 5-1 ItalyWubben-Moy 1, Hemp 21 34, Toone 69, Daly 79; Cambiaghi 45+3
England could have slumped further after failing to progress to the Nations League finals at the end of 2023, with Team GB missing out on the Olympics as a result. Instead, they talked of resets, fresh starts, new beginnings. They turned that talk into action in Spain, with a 5-1 defeat of Italy added to Friday night’s impressive 7-2 win over Austria to begin their charge towards retaining their European title next year.
Against Italy, Lotte Wubben-Moy opened proceedings, Lauren Hemp scored twice, and the substitutes Ella Toone and Rachel Daly added one apiece to ensure another comfortable victory. These games are just friendlies, but there was no mood for friendliness with England needing to hit the reset button hard and fast after a disappointing Nations League campaign.