Sarina Wiegman gets off to winning start as England Women thump North Macedonia

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Simon Collings @sr_collings17 September 2021

England Women cruised to a comfortable victory against North Macedonia as new boss Sarina Wiegman kicked off her reign with a resounding win.

The Lionesses went into the match as huge favourites and they did not disappoint by running out 8-0 winners in this Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Ella Toone kicked off the scoring and Wiegman’s side never looked back as Ellen White and Bethany England both bagged braces.

The Lionesses also benefited from two North Macedonian own goals, while Beth Mead iced the cake by scoring in injury time.

It was Toone who started the rout by opening the scoring after 12 minutes. Leah Williamson, who was captain for the night in the absence of the injured Steph Houghton, slid in Toone - who was able to profit for some poor goalkeeping.

North Macedonia tried to hold firm, but they conceded two more before the break as White and an Julija Zivikj own goal put England 3-0 up.

The visitors continued to fight after half-time, however they crumbed in the final quarter of the game as the Lionesses scored five more.

White slotted a penalty after Williamson was brought down in the 67th minute and then England scored twice after coming off the bench.

England’s goals were either side of Sara Kolarovska’s own goal and Mead made it eight in the dying moments by cutting in and firing home.