Naz assists on first start for England | OneFootball

Jess Naz made her first start for England on Tuesday evening and provided the assist for the opening goal in their 2-1 win over South Africa.

Earning just her third cap for the Lionesses, Jess, who made a lively cameo off the bench in the 4-3 defeat to Germany last Friday, was named in Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for their international friendly at Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena and, just 11 minutes into her full debut, our number seven helped break the deadlock.

Beth Mead’s corner fell to the feet of Jess at the back-post and the forward showed composure inside the box to tee up Leah Williamson who fired low into the bottom corner before former Spur loanee Grace Clinton doubled England's advantage just 12 minutes later.

The 24-year-old, who earned her first call-up to England senior squad back in July, 2024, was a constant threat across South Africa’s backline as she completed 63 minutes in Coventry before being replaced by Alessia Russo.

The friendlies against Germany and South Africa have provided much-needed preparations for England ahead of next summer’s UEFA EURO 2025 Finals in Switzerland.

Elsewhere, Lenna Gunning-Williams earned her first cap for England Under-23s as she was a late second half substitute in their 1-0 win over Portugal on Tuesday evening at Shrewsbury Town’s Croud Meadow.

Our academy graduate received her maiden call-up to the Young Lionesses after making four appearances so far in the 2024/25 campaign, including her first competitive start in our colours in the 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the Women’s League Cup.

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