England end calendar year with victory over Switzerland in Sheffield

England signed-off for 2024 with a 1-0 international friendly victory over Switzerland at Bramall Lane in Sheffield this evening.

Grace Clinton netted the only goal of the game for the Lionesses from close range early in the first half as England ended the calendar year on a winning note.

Despite England head coach Sarina Wiegman having made wholesale changes to her side, The Lionesses were dominant from the first whistle and they broke the deadlock after just eight minutes. Millie Turner’s initial header hit the post but Clinton was there to fire the loose ball home.

The Lionesses went close to doubling their lead on the half-hour mark but visiting keeper Elvira Herzog got a glove to Gabby George’s looping cross to keep the ball out of the net.

Switzerland’s best chance of the first half came six minutes before the interval. Forward Sydney Schertenleib took aim 30 yards from goal but England keeper Hannah Hampton was able to claim the ball.

Both sides had chances to add to the scoreline early in the second half. England substitute Alessia Russo went close with a header before Iman Beney found herself through on goal at the other end but fired straight at Hampton. Laura Blindkilde Brown then took aim at goal but she was denied by Herzog who produced an impressive save.

Switzerland seemed set to level matters late on when full-back Meriame Terchoun struck an effort at goal. The ball looped above Hampton but the England keeper was able to tip it over the bar.

Georgia Stanway saw an effort thump the post deep in second half stoppage time but it didn’t matter as England claimed a 1-0 win.

England return to action in February 2025 when they begin their latest UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with fixtures against Portugal and Spain.