Rachel Daly scores brace for England as Lionesses see off Italy in Arnold Clark Cup encounter in Coventry

Rachel Daly’s brace gave England a 2-1 victory over Italy at the CBS Arena in the Arnold Clark Cup.

Manager Sarina Wiegman opted to rest Manchester United’s Alessia Russo, instead deciding to start Daly up front as a No. 9.

And the versatile 31-year-old broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, nodding home Katie Robinson’s cross to make it 1-0.

Italy found the net after the break after Sofia Cantore scored a header at the near-post from Barbara Bonansea’s cross. The ball appeared to go out before it was centred, and despite the England players’ protests, the goal was awarded, with no VAR or goal-line technology in play.

But Daly popped up again in the 71st minute to give England their triumph, netting a header from Lauren James’ cross.

The victory means that England remain top of the Arnold Clark Cup table, with two wins so far. Belgium are right behind them with a game in hand, while both Italy and South Korea remain winless.

The Lionesses take on Belgium on Wednesday in Bristol in the hope of retaining the Arnold Clark Cup just over six months since their historic Euros win.

“I’m very happy with the game. We played very well in the first half, the second half started well but we had a little period when we had a hard time,” said Wiegman after the match.

“At the end of the game, we were struggling to get out of their first press. We need to play a little longer. The substitutes come in but connections change with that. In the end, a good win and we’re happy.”

The Lionesses boss was also asked about playing Daly, who customarily plays in defence for Aston Villa, featuring as a No. 9, and said: “It’s not a future position for Daly because she plays there now.

“Sometimes she plays there for us, we have so many options and Daly is definitely one for us. We want to try out different combinations and that’s what we are doing over this competition. Players are giving us some headaches.”