Rachel Maltby’s penalty secured England’s Young Lionesses a 1-1 draw against Canada in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Annabelle Chukwu put Canada ahead early in the second half at Bielsko-Biala Stadium, but Maltby’s late penalty in the second-to-last minute of regulation earned a draw in Poland.
England’s Princess Ademiluyi pounced on a poor back pass, but the angle proved too tight for her to score.
Second-half substitute Chukwu needed just seven minutes to beat Katie Cox and give Canada the lead, but the England goalkeeper made two quick saves to deny Lea Larouche and Kaylee Hunter.
A penalty was awarded after Bridget Mutipula tripped Maltby in the box following an on-field review, with Maltby getting to her feet to equalise.
England WU20s next face Tanzania on Tuesday, 8 September.
FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Group Stage
Brazil 4-1 Tanzania
Poland 3-0 Argentina
Canada 1-1 England
Mexico 2-2 Benin
Fixtures for Sunday 6 September (5pm BST) – Live on DAZN
Ecuador v Ghana
USA v Italy
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