England 8-0 North Macedonia: Lionesses thrash visitors in Sarina Wiegman's first match

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Ella Toone, Manchester United's midfielder, scored her first goal under Sarina Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman won her first game as England's Women's World Cup qualifier match against North Macedonia.

England's show was a celebration of a new era, as it played in front more than 8,000 people at St Mary's Stadium.

Ella Toone scored her first win, while Ellen White and Bethany England both scored twice.

Beth Mead finished off a great display with a goal, and there were also two goals by visitors.

England delivered a dominating performance, scoring 48 goals and easily reaching double figures in 90 minutes of intense attacking onslaught.

White, Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead missed huge chances, while Jill Scott hit a crossbar in the second period.

The Lionesses were never tested defensively. They simply had too many qualities for North Macedonia to be ranked 131st in all of the world.

England's heavy win sees them rise to the top of their qualifying group, which also includes Northern Ireland. Austria is 8-1 behind.

Northern Ireland won their first qualifying match by beating Luxembourg 4-0. England will be taking on Luxembourg on Tuesday 21 September (19:15 BST).

Wiegman scores goals as a young midfielder shines

Leah Williamson, second from the top right, was the captain of the side for the first-time.

Wiegman stated that she was looking for "lots and lots of goals" from her team earlier in the week, knowing they would be dominant against a lower-ranked opponent.

They delivered.

Although it is difficult to gauge their level against North Macedonia (ranked 123 places lower than England in the world), a clean sheet, an attack-minded performance, and a comfortable win means that they have all the right ingredients for Wiegman's debut game.

It should have been a greater victory.

England's dominance was evident when they entered the half-time break feeling overwhelmed by a 3-0 lead.

Particularly in the first period, there were many missed chances. White admitted that she was disappointed not to have scored more.

It was nevertheless a very promising performance by England, who have been lacking creativity and cohesion in the past two years.

Leah Williamson, Georgia Stanway and Toone impressed as the young midfield trio. Mead's positive start to the season with Arsenal was continued.

Wiegman will undoubtedly need to be more ruthless, but it was the best way to get her England career started.

Williamson Leah Williamson was the player of the match with an average 8.59 England England England

North Macedonia Women North Macedonia Women North Macedonia Women England Avg Squad number 4 Player name Williamson Average rating 8.59 Squad number 7 Player name Mead Average rating 8.42 Squad number 19 Player name England Average rating 8.38 Squad number 6 Player name Greenwood Average rating 8.35 Squad number 10 Player name Toone Average rating 8.33 Squad number 9 Player name White Average rating 8.24 Squad number 11 Player name Hemp Average rating 8.13 Squad number 3 Player name Stokes Average rating 7.96 Squad number 8 Player name Stanway Average rating 7.95 Squad number 5 Player name Bright Average rating 7.88 Squad number 2 Player name Daly Average rating 7.84 Squad number 16 Player name Wubben-Moy Average rating 7.76 Squad number 17 Player name Parris Average rating 7.60 Squad number 20 Player name Scott Average rating 7.54 Squad number 12 Player name Charles Average rating 7.24 Squad number 1 Player name Earps Average rating 7.15 North Macedonia Women Avg Squad number 1 Player name Rechi Average rating 5.51 Squad number 2 Player name Polozhani Average rating 4.42 Squad number 16 Player name Mustafa Average rating 4.37 Squad number 6 Player name Kolarovska Average rating 4.31 Squad number 17 Player name Dimoska Average rating 4.30 Squad number 7 Player name Rochi Average rating 4.18 Squad number 5 Player name Nikolovska Average rating 4.14 Squad number 19 Player name Petrushevska Average rating 4.12 Squad number 4 Player name Mileska Average rating 4.10 Squad number 10 Player name Andonova Average rating 3.98 Squad number 14 Player name Dervishi Average rating 3.96 Squad number 13 Player name Zivikj Average rating 3.85 Squad number 9 Player name Maksuti Average rating 3.81 Squad number 11 Player name Saliihi Average rating 3.81 Squad number 8 Player name Markovska Average rating 3.81