A Successful International Break For City's Women

Internationals
12 Apr 2023
2 Minutes
Nine LCFC Women players represented their respective countries during April's international fixtures.

- Ruby Mace, Georgia Eaton-Collins, Molly Pike and Missy Goodwin all featured for England Under-23s
- Hannah Cain scored her first Welsh goal as Josie Green also played for her country 
- Mackenzie Smith was part of the England Under-19s group
- Courtney Nevin played in Australia's two matches
- Sophie Howard started both of Scotland's wins

Leicester headed into the international break in fine form, lifted themselves off bottom spot in the Barclays Women's Super League with a 2-1 win over Reading at King Power Stadium.

Since that result almost two weeks ago, numerous Foxes have been away on national duty, with nine players in total featuring on the global stage, five of which were included among England's younger age groups. 

The Young Lionesses' Under-23s squad, who recorded a 3-2 win over Portugal before a goalless draw with Belgium, was flooded with City players. Ruby Mace was the only one to start both games, while Georgia Eaton-Collins was brought in for England's clean sheet against the Red Devils. 

Sophie Howard in action for Scotland at The Cherry Red Records Stadium.

However, Missy Goodwin and Molly Pike certainly left their mark on the games, each making a substitute appearance. Goodwin was introduced in the second half against Portugal and won the game-defining penalty in the 93rd minute which was dispatched by Missy Bo Kearns of Liverpool. 

Pike on the other hand, was brought on late in the game against Belgium, which went on to be decided by a penalty shootout following 90 minutes of action. Having scored their first four, Leicester's No.8 stepped up to convert and confirm the win for England. 

Sticking with the Young Lionesses, Mackenzie Smith was also called up to represent the Under-19s. The Academy graduate started in a 1-1 draw with Slovenia, before replacing Naomi Layzell in a convincing 5-2 win over Belarus. Smith was an unused substitute in the final game for the youngsters, which ended in a 1-0 loss to Spain. 

Wales were also in action during April's fixtures as they beat Northern Ireland 4-1 before earning a 1-1 draw against Portugal on Tuesday evening, thanks to a Rachel Rowe equaliser less than 20 minutes from time.

Hannah Cain celebrating her first Welsh goal.

Hannah Cain started in both games for her country, and netted her first goal for the Dragons when she swept in a low effort 30 minutes into the impressive triumph over Northern Ireland. Josie Green made a second half substitute appearance in that game, but was kept on the bench for their draw with Portugal. 

Another British country to include a Foxes player was Scotland as central defender Sophie Howard starred in a 1-0 win over Australia at AFC Wimbledon's home, before playing 70 minutes of a dominant 4-0 display against Costa Rica, which saw Rangers' Emma Watson score a goal in each half.

Courtney Nevin was the last City player to hit the pitch for her country, making two substitute appearances. First coming off the bench an hour in as Australia were beaten by Scotland, she then featured in the closing stages to see out a 2-0 win over England at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday evening.

That result, courtesy of goals from Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant, ended the Lionesses' remarkable 30-game unbeaten run. City forward Remy Siemsen was an unused substitute for the friendly encounter.

England Under-23s image credit: Lionesses