England Women Under-23s went down 4-2 to the USA in a friendly international at Accrington Stanley FC.
The USA took less than two minutes to open the scoring, with a ball across the box flicked on for Emeri Adames to take a touch and finish past Faye Kirby.
Neeku Purcell got down to save Izzy Goodwin’s shot on the turn, but the USA doubled their lead with just their second shot on target, as Maddie Dahlien’s effort from the edge of the box dipped into the net.
The Young Lionesses pulled one back soon after the interval, as Jess Simpson’s free kick from near the touchline sailed straight into the far corner of the net.
Moments later, Kirby had to turn a powerful Abi Brighton strike out for a corner, and the US regained their two-goal cushion as Sarah Weber slotted home a low cross from Dahlien.
Emma Coates’ side narrowed the gap to 2-3 at the hour mark, with Keira Barry scoring from a cross-shot on the side of the box.
Ally Sentnor’s long run ended with a fourth goal for the visitors, neatly tucked into the bottom corner of the net.
Sixteen-year-old Chloe Sarwie came off the bench and quickly forced a save from the USA goalkeeper.
Barry also went close near the end, with a driven effort just going wide of the far post.
