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Published 11 November 2022 4 min read
England Women's Senior Team

Sarina Wiegman and Jess Park speak after Japan win

Written by:

James Reid

The Lionesses head coach and goalscoring debutant both reflected on England's 4-0 victory over Japan in Pinatar

PLAY WOMEN'S & GIRLS' FOOTBALL

England boss Sarina Wiegman was happy with her team's outcome on Friday evening, when they collected a resounding 4-0 victory over Japan in Spain.

A goal from Rachel Daly broke the deadlock in the first half before three goals after the break from Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone and debutant Jess Park turned it into a comprehensive win over the former world champions.

"I think we played a very good game," said Wiegman.

"It was a very attractive game, lots of football. They want to play football too. They played in a shape that we haven't had against us a lot, so that was good to test ourselves and then they changed second half so we had to adapt all the time. It was good to see different players and see the substitutes coming on and doing a good job.

"She [Jess Park] had two minutes so you can't really say how she played. We had a long ball and you saw the strength of Ebony Salmon, her pace. Jess Park thought 'I have to be there' and got the ball in the back of the net.

It was a good night for Jess Park, who scored her first senior goal just seconds after coming on for her debut
It was a good night for Jess Park, who scored her first senior goal just seconds after coming on for her debut

For Park, it was an unforgettable night. Following her first senior call-up last month, the forward was brought into the Lionesses squad this time as a late replacement for Fran Kirby.

And not only did she have the honour of becoming the latest England debutant, she also got her name on the scoresheet less than two minutes after coming on.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed at the minute, it's absolutely amazing," said Park, who is currently on loan with Everton from her parent club Manchester City.

"I'm so honoured to play for my country and score a goal. I've dreamed of this ever since I was a little girl, and now I'm here and it's come true. My head's gone. I'm so happy.

"I don't think there's any words to describe it, it's unbelievable.

"We're just taking it game by game but we're here to say something and go as far as we can. We're going to have so much confidence going into the next game."

The squad will remain in Spain for their second game of the month against Norway on Tuesday 15 November.