In what was considered their most formidable challenge of the group stages, England stunned the Brighton crowd by defeating them 8-0, breaking their tournament record
The 11th-ranked team in the world, Norway, was thoroughly outplayed, humiliated, and shocked by an English squad that exuded confidence.
When an unimpressive opening victory against Austria, England got off to a cautious start, but after Georgia Stanway converted a penalty in the 12th minute, there could only be one victor.
In less than 30 minutes, England’s advantage had been increased by Lauren Hemp and Ellen White, and the Amex Stadium was buzzing with excitement.
Beth Mead scored a hat-trick, Alessia Russo scored after coming off the bench, and White added a second goal to bring England’s total goals to one of Wayne Rooney’s records this season. What followed was a relentless assault on Norway’s goal.
It was a statement performance for the rest of Europe as England quickly reaffirmed their place as one of the tournament favorites and advanced directly into the knockout rounds.
Sensational half stuns electric crowd.
In Brighton, Sarina Wiegman wanted her side to “entertain,” and boy, did they accomplish it.
Everyone in the stadium was in awe at their incredible first-half performance, with friends and family in the media box gasping and standing almost the whole time.
Every assault could potentially increase England’s lead, and the fans inside the Amex cheered and rose in expectation.
What is going on? A fan said as they descended the stairs at halftime.
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That was undoubtedly the thought going through Norway’s players’ reviews as they rushed into the tunnel with their heads lowered and seemed to be in astonishment.
The replacements formed a kind of guard of honor for the England players, clapping hands with each one as defender Millie Bright shouted, “Let’s go!”
The Lionesses’ 6-0 victory against Scotland in 2017 set a tournament record for the most winning margin, and before halftime, they had matched it. It was just a matter of time in the second half until that was defeated.
The ideal evening both on and off the field.
In his pre-game news conference, Norway manager Martin Sjogren attempted to put pressure on England by implying that, although only being placed three places higher in the global rankings, the hosts were the favorites coming into this match.
Wiegman had downplayed it, grinning as she dismissed the idea of additional pressure by casually saying, “It’s just a football game.”
England ensured that it was not simply an ordinary football game.
The crowd erupted in the loudest performance of “It’s coming home” when the seventh goal was scored.
Minutes later, the fans of England flashed lights from their cell phones, and at the end of the game, when the players danced to the music blasting from the speakers, they stood to applaud.
The displays of joy put the finishing touches on an ideal evening for the hosts. Wiegman was able to rotate her players and offer playing experience to those unfortunate enough not to make the starting XI.
Before performing their last act—a walk of honor around the field—the players assembled in front of the spectators and the stand where their families were seated. They joined hands and sang “Sweet Caroline” together.
