U20 Women’s World Cup

England 3-1 Korea DPR

FORMER Bristol City Women’s forward Lauren Hemp starred in England’s 3-1 victory over world champions Korea DPR.

The 18-year-old, who joined Manchester City in the summer, was awarded Player of the Match for her contribution in the Young Lionesses’ opening u20 World Cup outing.

Alessia Russo scored two goals either side of Georgia Stanway’s strike which gave England the margin they needed to get off to the perfect start in Dinan ,despite Ja Un Yong’s effort providing Mo Marley’s team with a brief scare.

Marley told SheKicks: “The players are setting the benchmark and the standards, not us as coaches.

“That’s when you know you’ve got a true group of players, that are willing to give everything for each other and the game plan.”

Hemp was delighted to be named Player of the Match, saying: "I’m very honoured to have got that award. We all put in a performance and worked our hardest and I am just happy to have contributed.”

England: Sandy MacIver; Anna Patten, Grace Fisk (C), Megan Finnigan, Maz Pacheco (Taylor Hinds 71); Mollie Rouse, Chloe Peplow; Alessia Russo (Rinsola Babajide 84), Georgia Stanway, Chloe Kelly; Lauren Hemp (Charlie Wellings 90)

Unused subs: Georgia Allen, Niamh Charles, Ali Johnson, Ellie Roebuck, Esme Morgan, Zoe Cross, Emily Ramsey.