Netherlands strike late to beat England in Women’s Nations League

London (AFP): England boss Sarina Wiegman endured a painful return to the Netherlands as Dutch substitute Renate Jansen clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory in Tuesday’s Women’s Nations League clash.

Jansen netted with a spectacular strike in the 90th minute in Utrecht after Lieke Martens’ first-half opener for the hosts was cancelled out by Alessia Russo in the 64th minute.

Replays suggested Danielle Van de Donk had been offside in the build-up to Martens’ goal but, with no VAR in use, the effort was allowed to stand.

In the battle between Wiegman’s current and former employers, both teams hit the woodwork late in the first half — Rachel Daly for England and Linda Beerensteyn for the Netherlands — before Jansen had the final word.

Wiegman guided England to European Championship glory last year before a painful World Cup final defeat against Spain in August. The 53-year-old Dutchwoman did the same with the Netherlands, who won the 2017 Euros under her leadership before losing the 2019 World Cup final.

The result, only England’s third loss under Wiegman, leaves both the Lionesses and the Netherlands on three points in Group A1. Belgium, who England face twice in October, lead the group with four points after drawing 1-1 with Scotland.

England defender Millie Bright bemoaned her side’s mistakes at crucial moments. “I thought they were ruthless when they had their opportunities but to be honest we gifted them two goals,” she said. “When you concede in that manner, that’s the most disappointing thing. It makes it really hard.

“There is still a lot to play for. We have to rest and reflect because the games get harder and harder. We have to get better as a team, evolve and develop.”