England rounded off a memorable year by beating a stubborn Ghana side 2-0 at St Mary's in the final match of their homecoming series.

Sarina Wiegman 's European champions made it three wins from four on their celebratory tour around the country that has helped mark their triumph at Euro 2025 in the summer, as Aston Villa's Lucia Kendall scored her first international goal in the first half.

A stoppage-time penalty by Alessia Russo gave England a belated second after they had lay siege to the visitors' goal.

The friendly meeting in Southampton lacked any of the drama that followed the Lionesses through their triumphant campaign in Switzerland.

Indeed there was very little competitive edge to excite the 20,000 fans that had turned out in the south-coast rain.

It did at least offer

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