Pike & Bailey-Gayle Play Their Part In International Friendlies
- Molly Pike helped England Under-23s to a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Tubize
- Paige Bailey-Gayle made her Jamaica debut in a goalless draw with Costa Rica
- Sophie Howard’s Scotland beat Hungary 2-1 in FIFA World Cup qualifying
- Hannah Cain was in the Wales senior squad for the first time against Slovenia
Replacing Manchester City’s Jess Park in the 60th minute of the clash at Stade Leburton in Tubize, Pike was on the field when Brighton & Hove Albion forward Katie Robinson netted the only goal of the game just five minutes later.
LCFC Women midfielder Pike was making her first appearance for Mo Marley’s Under-23s side, having previously captained England at Under-19s level.
On Sunday, meanwhile, Paige Bailey-Gayle made her Jamaica debut in a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica, playing from start to finish in the friendly at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Despite Katherine Alvarado’s sixth-minute red card, the Reggae Girls were unable to find a way through and it finished goalless.
In qualifying for the 2023 FIFA World Cup, Sophie Howard’s Scotland secured a dramatic late winner against Hungary to remain top of Group B with a 100 per cent record after three matches.
Rachel Corsie’s 90th-minute winner came after Fanny Vágó had cancelled out Christy Grimshaw’s first-half opener for the Scots in Friday night’s thrilling qualifier at Hampden Park.
Howard was an unused substitute in the 2-1 success in the Scottish capital, but could be involved when Scotland meet Olympic silver medallists Sweden in a friendly at SMISA Stadium on Tuesday 26 October (7:05pm kick-off).
Also in World Cup qualifying on Friday, Hannah Cain was involved in Wales’ squad for the first time as they faced Slovenia at Lendava Sports Park.
Despite falling behind to Monja Rogan’s 69th-minute effort for the hosts, Wales managed to preserve their unbeaten streak thanks to Kayleigh Green’s instant response, and though the goalscorer was later sent off, the visitors held on for a point.
Cain, who remained on the bench throughout the contest, could make her senior debut for Wales later this week.
The Red Dragons sit second in Group I, with seven points from a possible nine, ahead of meeting Estonia for matchday four at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 26 October (7:15pm kick-off).
All times BST.