The Manchester United star once again made her case to be in the starting line-up on a regular basis, just seven months out from Euro 2025
Three goals in five caps is not a bad record at all, especially if you're a player looking to push into your country's starting line-up. That's what Grace Clinton's stats in this Lionesses team stand at as England's 2024 came to a close on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win over Switzerland, the Manchester United star scoring the only goal against the hosts of next summer's European Championships.
When that tournament comes around in seven months' time, Clinton may well find herself in Sarina Wiegman's best XI if she keeps this sort of form up, too. After only making her senior debut in February, she's become a regular feature for England throughout the year, though is still trying to break into that line-up. On Tuesday, she did her chances no harm, standing out as the Lionesses' best player in a first half which also saw her pop up in the right place at the right time to break the deadlock, once Millie Turner's header had bounced back off the post.
Given that occurred with just eight minutes on the clock, it was something of a surprise that England couldn't add to their lead, especially as they dominated before the break and created a number of chances. But this was a night which Wiegman and her team still got plenty out of, with changes of shape, several different faces and even two debutantes on show as the European champions wrapped up their 2024.
GOAL rates England's players from Bramall Lane…
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Hannah Hampton (6/10):
Didn't look overly convincing with some of her saves but they did the job.
Esme Morgan (7/10):
A nice, composed display from a player who is clearly reaping the benefits of regular club minutes again.
Millie Turner (6/10):
So close to a goal with her header, though that it did lead to Clinton's goal was some consolation. Relatively solid, albeit with a couple of moments she could've done better in.
Millie Bright (7/10):
Showed good positioning and anticipation when Switzerland tried to get in behind.
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Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Went steady in a role she hasn't played for a long time. Got forward well, even having a few chances, while also mopping up defensively when needed.
Ruby Mace (7/10):
Confident on her debut, demanding the ball in midfield and showing nice things when she got it.
Grace Clinton (8/10):
Ran the show in the first half and showed good instincts to be in the right place to break the deadlock.
Gabby George (6/10):
Committed to the wing-back role well, getting forward plenty. A solid return to England duty, six years on from her last cap.
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Jess Park (6/10):
Some nice footwork and little passes helped her combine well in attack before going off at half time.
Aggie Beever-Jones (7/10):
Moved around well to pick up the ball often and create space for others, despite not having a ton of service herself in the No.9.
Laura Blindkilde Brown (6/10):
Had some bright moments without stealing the show.
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Alessia Russo (5/10):
Offered energy and hard work from the bench, though didn't get much of a look at goal.
Keira Walsh (5/10):
Tidy on the ball in the middle, although without really impacting the attack.
Beth Mead (6/10):
Slotted into a wing-back role unfamiliar to her and worked hard to cover up and down the left, while offering a spark in attack.
Georgia Stanway (N/A):
On in the final few minutes as England saw the game out. Could've had a couple of goals, hitting the post with the final kick.
Jess Naz (N/A):
Got another run out with five minutes to play.
Jess Carter (N/A):
Another late sub.
Sarina Wiegman (8/10):
Was true to her word with a ton of changes, including in the system, and will have learned plenty about some of the fringe players in her squad. Exactly what this kind of game is for.