Sports

England earn thrilling draw with USA in SheBelieves Cup


Highlights: USA 2-2 England

England came close to a memorable victory but had to settle for a thrilling draw against world champions the USA at the SheBelieves Cup.

The Lionesses scored two excellent goals through Manchester City pair Steph Houghton and Nikita Parris.

But Tobin Heath equalised for the US in the second half after Megan Rapinoe’s sensational first-half opener had given the hosts the lead in Nashville.

The four-team, round-robin tournament will go down to Tuesday’s final games.

Japan, who are top of the table on goal difference, face England at 22:25 GMT, live on BBC Four, in a winner-takes-all match.

Hosts USA, who are the holders, must beat Brazil, and hope the two teams above them draw, whilst also improving their own goal difference.

England’s Houghton curls in brilliant equaliser

Bend it like Houghton

The Lionesses had to come from behind in their win against Brazil in Wednesday’s opener and they did the same against the USA.

But the Nashville crowd were treated to two brilliant first-half goals. The first came from 148-cap Megan Rapinoe, who chested the ball down and volleyed home a stunning shot.

England responded immediately from an indirect free-kick, which was bent in beautifully by captain Houghton.

The Lionesses stunned the World Cup holders again in the 52nd minute when Parris, the WSL’s all-time top scorer, slotted home from an accurate Fran Kirby through ball.

But Phil Neville’s side struggled to cope with the USA’s set-pieces and from a corner, Tobin Heath stabbed home the equaliser.

‘Fantastic’ Rapinoe volley gives USA lead

Cameos from Beyonce and JK Rowling

The SheBelieves Cup was born from the American #SheBelieves campaign, which aims to inspire women and girls – both inside and outside of sport.

The USA team announced before the game that their players would wear shirts emblazoned with the names of women who have inspired them.

Captain Alex Morgan picked Abby Wambach, the former USA international who won the World Cup and two Olympic gold medals during her illustrious career.

Other players decided to go for icons outside of football. Mallory Pugh played in a Beyonce shirt, while Rose Lavelle picked Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

Carli Lloyd represented female activist Malala Yousafzai at the SheBelieves Cup





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