Second half substitute Beth Mead scored a hat trick as England beat Northern Ireland 4-0 in their Women’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
England were left frustrated by the crossbar in the first half with Nikita Parris, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood all striking it in their hunt for an opening goal.
Jackie Burns in the Northern Ireland goal was kept busy as the home side pushed for an opener, having the most touches out of all her teammates.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– ESPN+ viewer’s guide: Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, FA Cup and more
Northern Ireland, who went into half-time 3-0 down when the two sides met in February, were solid in defence and would have welcomed the 0-0 scoreline after the first 45 minutes.
Kenny Shiels’ side came out in the second half with a renewed energy and nearly scored when Lauren Wade’s cross into Caragh Hamilton scooted just inches past the winger who was positioned at the far post.
A double substitution from Sarina Wiegman just after the hour mark proved to be the magic England needed with Mead and Bethany England replacing Parris and Rachel Daly.
Mead scored a minute after her introduction with her first touch as she volleyed a corner into Burns’ net.
England added the second on 72 minutes as Hemp chipped a ball over Burns and the Chelsea forward tapped it into the net.
Two minutes later Mead got her second with Hemp once again assisting.
She got her hat trick on 74 minutes when England’s deflected shot bounced her way.
The game marked the Lionesses’ first competitive match at Wembley. The side have three wins from three in their qualifying campaign, scoring 22 goals and conceding none.
