England made a bold statement at Wembley, dismantling China with a dazzling display of attacking prowess. For 26-year-old midfielder Georgia Stanway, this was an opportunity to showcase the qualities she's brought to the table since Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman took charge in 2021.
Stanway has long been synonymous with her tenacious tackling and precision shooting from distance, but against China, she was given license to unleash a more creative side of her game. It was a night that highlighted her exceptional vision, instinctive finishing, and ability to read the game. Each of her three goals illustrated different facets of her artistry as a midfielder.
Stanway's first goal, scored in a flash of instinct, capitalized on China's goalkeeper Pan Hongyan misjudging a parry. The second, from the penalty spot, showcased her exceptional record – 13 conversions from 12 yards out, an exceptional record from a distance so unforgiving yet so often overlooked.
The highlight of Stanway's performance came after receiving a pass off Lucy Bronze, playing a neat one-two with Ella Toone as she broke on to turn the ball home. This was just one example of how England dominated possession and, for significant periods, were rarely under pressure.
Stanway is emblematic of the quality that this England team possess – a fight, tenacity, and leadership qualities that have become hallmarks of their success since Wiegman's appointment. She will be key to unlocking opposition defenses as her ability to create space inside the box and find openings for herself remains unparalleled in midfield.
Stanway was not alone in putting on a display worthy of praise. Her teammates Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo combined to form an attacking quartet that showcased how England can stretch high defensive lines with ease. It was clear that China's backline was disjointed at times, allowing the Lionesses' attackers to exploit the gaps left.
The success was not just about the attacking display but also the quality of defensive performances. The new-look backline, featuring Anna Moorhouse in goal, rarely looked under pressure and seemed composed throughout the game. However, it would be unfair to gloss over the issues that remain – particularly regarding the team's defense.
Questions will undoubtedly surround England's form at the back, but for now, this was a statement from Wiegman and her team about their intentions to continue pushing forward with confidence and quality on display.
Stanway has long been synonymous with her tenacious tackling and precision shooting from distance, but against China, she was given license to unleash a more creative side of her game. It was a night that highlighted her exceptional vision, instinctive finishing, and ability to read the game. Each of her three goals illustrated different facets of her artistry as a midfielder.
Stanway's first goal, scored in a flash of instinct, capitalized on China's goalkeeper Pan Hongyan misjudging a parry. The second, from the penalty spot, showcased her exceptional record – 13 conversions from 12 yards out, an exceptional record from a distance so unforgiving yet so often overlooked.
The highlight of Stanway's performance came after receiving a pass off Lucy Bronze, playing a neat one-two with Ella Toone as she broke on to turn the ball home. This was just one example of how England dominated possession and, for significant periods, were rarely under pressure.
Stanway is emblematic of the quality that this England team possess – a fight, tenacity, and leadership qualities that have become hallmarks of their success since Wiegman's appointment. She will be key to unlocking opposition defenses as her ability to create space inside the box and find openings for herself remains unparalleled in midfield.
Stanway was not alone in putting on a display worthy of praise. Her teammates Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo combined to form an attacking quartet that showcased how England can stretch high defensive lines with ease. It was clear that China's backline was disjointed at times, allowing the Lionesses' attackers to exploit the gaps left.
The success was not just about the attacking display but also the quality of defensive performances. The new-look backline, featuring Anna Moorhouse in goal, rarely looked under pressure and seemed composed throughout the game. However, it would be unfair to gloss over the issues that remain – particularly regarding the team's defense.
Questions will undoubtedly surround England's form at the back, but for now, this was a statement from Wiegman and her team about their intentions to continue pushing forward with confidence and quality on display.
England just absolutely smashed China at Wembley 
! Georgia Stanway had an insane game 
- 3 goals in total! 
I've been tracking stats, and Stanway's midfield performance was on point 
:
. Her record for penalty conversions is insane - 13/12! 
The new-look backline was solid, but they need to work on defending set pieces 
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, which is one of the highest in the world right now! 
. She's building a team that's all about confidence and quality on display 
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. They're stretching high defensive lines with ease 
she's so underrated but honestly she's been amazing since sarina wiegman took over in 2021 
. I mean, 13 penalty conversions from 12 yards out? That's insane! 
And that one-two with Lucy Bronze was so cool 
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remember when England played Netherlands in Euro 2004 and we were all on the edge of our seats thinking we might actually win a trophy? those were the days lol
and that attack they have now with Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo, it's like a dream come true 
the whole team played so well but stanway stood out 
also loved how china's defense looked all over the shop 
gotta see how england does against tougher opponents tho... 
. The way she just glided past China's defenders was beautiful 
. But what really stood out to me was the team's overall cohesion and dominance in possession - they just played a different level of football compared to their opponents 
. And yeah, there are still some defensive questions to answer, but for now, let's just enjoy this winning streak 
. The way she played against China was pure magic 
. England's defense might have some issues, but when they're on, they're almost unbeatable 
. The way she played one-two with Lucy Bronze was pure magic 
. Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, and Alessia Russo were on fire 
- she was calm and composed under pressure 
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. Still, this win was all about confidence and quality 
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and 13 penalties from 12 yards out is just crazy! 
what i think's really impressive about stanway though is how she brings that leadership quality to the game. she's not just a one-trick pony, she's got the whole package 
. And let's be real, China didn't stand a chance 
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. The backline was rock-solid, and when they weren't, Stanway and co were always there to exploit the gaps. 
her vision, finishing, and creativity are on another level