England suffer last-gasp loss on Sarina Wiegman’s Netherlands return
Renate Jansen celebrates her late winner for the Netherlands (Rene Nijhuis/PA).
England boss Sarina Wiegman’s return to the Netherlands ended in defeat as Dutch substitute Renate Jansen’s superb late strike saw the Lionesses beaten 2-1 in their second Nations League group game.
Jansen rifled past Mary Earps in the 90th minute in Utrecht after Lieke Martens’ contentious first-half opener, which would likely have been ruled out had VAR been in operation, was cancelled out by Alessia Russo’s 64th-minute finish.
Both teams hit the woodwork late in the first half, Rachel Daly for the visitors and Linda Beerensteyn for the hosts.
Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar then made an excellent save to deny Lauren Hemp before Russo brought things level, but it was Jansen who had the final say on what proved a disappointing occasion for Wiegman in the battle between her current and former employers, both of whom she has guided to Euros glory and a World Cup final.
The result – only a third loss for England under Wiegman – leaves both the Lionesses and Andries Jonker’s Netherlands on three points in Group A1.
Following a cagey opening to the contest, the Netherlands registered the first goal attempt in the 21st minute when Jill Roord struck a low effort that Earps dealt with comfortably, and the goalkeeper did the same with a Victoria Pelova shot a minute later.
After an England attack saw Daly’s cross go over the head of Russo – back in the team after being rested for Friday’s 2-1 win over Scotland in Sunderland – and out for a goal kick, Earps made another save to deny Caitlin Dijkstra.
Lieke Martens celebrates the opening goal with Lynn Wilms (Rene Nijhuis/PA).
The home side then grabbed the lead in the 34th minute as
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