Dent on 'a performance to be proud of'

Goalscorer Lily Dent looked ahead to England women’s under-20s’ knockout tie at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup after the Young Lionesses advanced.

She made the scoresheet as England came up against Brazil in their final Group B match-up.

And although the game ended in a 2-1 defeat, Lydia Bedford’s team booked their place in the Round of 16.

“It was a performance that we can build on,” said Dent. “The first half we went out there and we played with so much guts and so much courage. It’s something that we can really be proud of.

“There were lessons to take from the second half but a performance to be proud of and now a journey in the tournament that we have real confidence in.”

Dent – currently on loan to Sunderland from Brighton & Hove Albion – opened the scoring in the first half and it was a moment to remember.

“I’m buzzing,” she added. “It’s unfortunate not to get the win from it, but for me on a personal note, it’s really nice to get that goal.

“It’s from an unbelievable passage of play from the girls. We worked through their back line really well, across the box and it was an easy finish for me at the end.”

And the forward reflected on her own personal journey, having suffered an ACL injury last year during a EUROs preparation camp with the under-19s before making her comeback.

“It’s always a privilege to wear this shirt,” she explained. “I’m so proud and I’m lucky to have my family here to share this moment with me.

“Every single time you pull on the England shirt at a World Cup, it’s an unbelievable experience. To be at a World Cup with these girls here has just been an unreal experience so far and we’re so excited for the next round and to go and kick on in the tournament.”