England Women 6-0 Northern Ireland Women: Ellen White hat-trick gives Hege Riise winning start

England Women marked their first competitive match in 354 days with a 6-0 victory over Northern Ireland to give them a winning start under interim boss Hege Riise.

The Lionesses were captained by Jill Scott who was making her 150th international appearance while the second half brought debuts for Ella Toone, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Sandy MacIver and Ebony Salmon.

But it was Ellen White who stole the headlines with a fine hat-trick as England eased to victory in the friendly at St George’s Park.

White opened the scoring early in the 18th minute, capitalising on a mistake from the Northern Ireland defence to place a clinical finish into the bottom right corner.

The striker doubled the Lionesses’ lead five minutes later, meeting Lucy Bronze’s inviting cross to power a header past Becky Flaherty.

Bronze then got on the scoresheet herself mid-way through the half. Lauren Hemp ghosted into the Northern Ireland box from the left wing and picked out Bronze in the middle who tapped-in from close range.

White rounded off an impressive hat-trick just after half-time, receiving a through ball from Jill Scott before turning to power home a fierce shot into the top corner. 

Northern Ireland managed to dig-in for 20 minutes before England got their fifth. Bronze again caused problems down the right and her cross found Rachel Daly in the box who applied the finishing touches.

Two substitutes were involved in the sixth goal with Chloe Kelly drawing a foul in the penalty area. Manchester United youngster Ella Toone, who had come on half-time for her England debut, stepped up to take the penalty and sent Flaherty the wrong way.