Euro 2017 Qualifier: England v Serbia Women's Football

Not so long ago England's women coasted through qualifying, kwaling

hatfuls along the way. But since then it has been tighter.

Goes for goal and scores. What a fantastic goal. Goes for goal. Off

the bar. And saved by the keeper. Great ball. And there you get a

sense of the wind power. England have the break through! It hasn't

been the home coming party that England expected, but it is a

victory. Oh, that is a mistake. And Belgium are ahead. Absolutely

nothing they could do. This could be curtains for England. Straight at

the keeper. Nervy. Low par. Into Scott. Carney's there. Will it drop

to Scott? It does. It has taken a long time, but Jill Scott's got them

out of jail tonight. Carney. 1-0 England. Really important goal for

England. England looking to rediscover their Mojo, but knowing

another win should be enough to secure their qualification for the

finals in the Netherlands next year. But Serbia should not be taken

lightly. Belgium were in action yesterday in Estonia. A comfortable

5-0 win put them clear at the top. If England win their next two

matches, they will go top. Six points for England against Serbia

would almost certainly guarantee one of the best runners up spots.

Joining me, two player who between them have gone to seven Euro finals,

Rachel Brown and Rachel Yankey. What do you hope to see? Today I hope to

see us kick start this goal fest that we started. The line up, we are

going to have a change of formation. Players playing more in their

natural position. The change of formation I think will lead to a

prolific goal-scoring spree. Do you think there has been a lack of

confidence? Yes, I think the games that we have seen it has been

frustrating and England sort of battling teams that have played

them, every team has gone out defensively and it has been about

can England break them down and it has been a struggle. Today, it is a

more attacking team, hopefully bring that flair and create chances and

get some goals. We expect that against Serbia. For all of those who

sl come to expect England to score plenty of goals, recent results have

been a surprise. Sue Smith has been examining why finding the net has

become elusive for the Lionesses. When England beat Estonia 8-0, it

looked like normal service had resumed. Last year they scored 52

goals in ten games. But since returning from Tallinn, the goals

have dried up. Just six in the last nine matches. Scott has a precious

England goal. But four of the games were against the top three sides in

the world. Including two against Germany. But the last three

qualifiers have yieldled just three goals and two have come from

midfield. There was relief all round when Karen Casc Carney scored in the

dying moments against Bosnia the last time out. It might be their

opponents are changing their approach to playing England. Bosnia,

ranked 62nd in the world, almost stopped England twice by completely

blocking the defence and show nothing ambition to cross the

halfway line. Creating chances doesn't seem to be the problem. The

Lionesses have had 50 attempts on goal in the last three qualifiers.

Perhaps it is a lack of confidence in front of goals and Mark Sampson

has recalled Jodie Taylor. Danielle carter scored a hat-trick on her

debut and scored an FA Cup winner, but she is not in the squad. Neither

is Beth Niamh. England don't let many in. Belgium's goal in April was

the first they had qualified in 14 years in a qualifier. But the

problem is at the other end. This is how the England manager has

responded. Rachel Daly who played for Huston in the US makes her debut

alongside Ellen White. Carney plays at the point of

diamond. Marian Stacey is Mark Sampson's asis

civil servant and has been talking to us. -- assistant. Many fans won't

know Rachel Daly, what is the thinking behind her starting? She

has been impressive in her start in the American league and she has

mitted in well -- fitted in well with the group and she has been

training really well. So she has forced herself into the starting

line up and given herself the best opportunity to make her day buchlt

we are looking forward to seeing what she produces. Ellen white has

not played for England since cement. What do you think she will bring --

since September. She has a real goal scoring mentality and she also

brings that Rachel making her first debut, she will have her conviction

in her own game to do her best. Goals have been hard to come back.

Just four in the last six games, as a former England striker yourself,

what has been missing? I think it is just getting on the end of chances.

We have made a lot of chances and our build up play has been

excellent. It is just taking it to the next level and putting the ball

in the net. We have done some work in training this week and the girls

are flying and the ball has been flying in the net in training. So

they're confident and looking forward to getting out and scoring

goals today. Thank you. Another Rachel in the mix, what do you make

of Rachel Daly. She is an unknown kwaupt. Yes and hopefully that will

be to England's advantage. It is a bold move to drop the other players.

Rachel Daly is making a name for herself in the United States. It is

a good side that Mark is looking outside of England. The fact she is

coming in, she is going to want to impress. She knows it is a difficult

it is a tock stay in that pool of strikers for the next games. So she

will be looking to impress and hopefully she will hit the back of

the net. What do you think Rachel will bring, Rachel? She is a Rachel.

She will bring good stuff! It is fantastic. On your debut you want to

come out and be confident and you're going to try your best. I think it

is about how the team can settle her into the game and play to her

strengths and she will be wanting to show how good she is. From a new

face to a more familiar one, Ellen white hasn't played since they

played Estonia. She has had injuries and come back and she is in form. I

think that is where Mark samp sovereign's gone for -- -- Sampson's

gone for two in form strikers. They need to show it today. Lucy Bronze

is back. We haven't seen her for a while. No, having Lucy Bronze is one

of the outstanding players in the World Cup last year and she should

be starting every England game. She brings so much as an attacking

force. Today, it looks like from the line up that Mark Sampson's going

for it with attacking players across the pitch. She must be frustrated,

she got her chance at England and scored a great goal. Got a bad

injury and she is back now. Another chance for her to prove her worth. A

year ago today, Mark Sampson were in Canada preparing for the women's

World Cup finals. Few gave the England squad much chance. This week

I went down memory lane with the England head coach. How do you

reflect opt past 12 months? Particular think World Cup was an --

particularly the World Cup was an important phase in the women's

football development. We need that game-changer and by getting that

bronze medal we gave the team confidence. But we also inspired a

lot of hope back home within the women's football community and the

supporters who wanted to connect with the team and get behind the

team. The whole journey was special. The further we went, the more

historical landmarks we were ticking off. That comes with this huge sense

of pride and opportunity, because once you achieve one, you want a bit

more and to get the next one. Reflections are there were big

moments for us. Winning the knock out matches, which are no tomorrow

games. You know if you don't win, you're going home. There is no ifs

or buts. That takes a type of person to handle that pressure. That means

expectations have changed. What are they now? We have got to win every

game 10-0. But 2345 is cool. That is cool. I'm glad people are talking

about the team. We scored quite a lot of goals in the tournament and

we scored enough goals that history suggests would be enough to win a

major Championship. Buttive got to keep -- but you have got to clean

sheets. In 2013 Germany won the European Championships and only

conceded one goal. We conceded too many to win a major tournament and

it stopped us getting over the line. We are clear with the way we play

and the players we have got, wir going to score. And this England

team will score. Disappointing to concede against Belgium at home. Yes

when we do concede a goal, the fact that it is a shock tells me we're

moving in the right direction. Defensively we are in a great space.

Not many teams enjoy playing against England. We will make it difficult

for them to score. We have got to make sure when we get opportunities

to score, we are more clinical. But if I look at the opportunities we

created against Belgium and Bos nia, we could have won each game. What do

we expect against Serbia? I hope the same. On argued, resolute team. But

hopefully with the ball when we create chances, just a bit more care

with the final pass and the final shot. And if I look at the context

of the season, we have players coming us to, who are feeling the

benefit of a few games under their belt. We were pretty much in

pre-season. With England being the best placed European team at the

World Cup. Could they be favourites for 2017? That would be difficult

for me to put us as favourites. A few teams would say that was the

case. There is a group of teams that will go with an ambition that they

can win it. It will come down to who is prepared the best and who fights

the hardest and who has a bit of luck. We have to make sure the first

two boxes we get right. We have to go and fight for our lives and we

will have the belief we can win. But you have got to make sure we work

hard to go there and try and perform as best we can. So a lot has

happened in the past year. What do you think he has learned in the last

12 months. He has learned a lot. He is new to the role and throughout

the World Cup you think of the squad, he tinkered with the squad,

and most of the European Championship qualifiers, he has

played a few players out of position and it has not quite worked. I'm

happy he has changed his formation again to suit a team. To go out more

attacking. I still don't think he knows what his best team is and the

best formation. But what he does and what the girls have learned is

different tactics they can play against different opposition. We

nicknamed him The Tinkerman during the World Cup. How do you think

expectations have changed, after they brought home the bronze medals

and were the best-placed European team? That is why other teams want

to when they play England want to bank up and not let England attack.

That is why it is now difficult for England to break down teams. It is

frustrating, but they have got to make sure, something strong Mark

Sampson said was about the belief and they have got to believe even

when it is difficult and it is 0-0, but always believe neck score. They

have done in the qualifying games. They have not been fantastic, but

they're getting the points and they need 20 go out and make sure however

they do it, we would love to see a five-goal thriller, but if we don't,

it is about getting the points. Something happened in England's last

home game that has not happened since 2002. They conceded a goal. It

following a mistake from the Manchester City keeper. Er. But she

is determined to bounce back as she told Sue Smith. That is a mistake

and Belgium are ahead A horrible moment for the England keeper. How

did you pick yourself up from that? It was disappointing, but I was

proud of the way I managed the right of the game and our performance for

the rest of the 89 minutes and 30 seconds. But as a keeper, you have

to look back at the incident, analyse it on video, but you go, OK,

how can I learn from this? I put it to bed and moved on and taken the

opportunity to focus on something else. Coming back from that trip and

going into the domestic season, we have kept seven consecutive clean

sheets. We all hate conceding. Mark Sampson said you're his No 1, that

must give you confidence? Yes, I was grateful for the support and the

support of the girls and everything. It is really nice to hear that.

Sometimes it feels like it must be a token gesture. But you know, they're

all supportive and I couldn't be more grateful for that. How would

you sum up the qualification? It has been difficult to score lately, but

we are still positive and we had to show a lot of character out of the

last two games. I think we are confident in our abilities and you

know, really looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and

just building on our last outing. I think we have a lot more to offer

and the team is in a good place at the minute. Everyone seems happy and

excited and ready to get playing again. I want to look at the

Olympics, it must be so disappointed not to be going this year. You were

an ever present in 2012. How much of a disappointment was that? It is a

bummer. There is no way you... We would love to be there. Any athlete

would love another opportunities at tournament experience. It is

disappointing we can't go, since we qualified, it feels like a missed

opportunity. But you know, it is, we are focussed on just qualifying. And

just making sure that we do our jobs when called upon. Looking ahead to

the Serbia game, what do you expect from them? They will be hard to

break down. They will be looking to bank up and block us. So they're

going to make it difficult for us to penetrate and get opportunities on

goal. So I'm expecting a physical battle. But I would like to think we

will come out on top. The best keepers in the world make mistakes.

How does Karen Bardsley bounce back? Well you make mistakes, some are

high profile, some nobody sees. It is part of your psyche to deal with

that. I don't think it is a problem. As she said, she played the rest of

the game flawlessly. That is a sign of the world class keeper she is. It

is an error and it has been to be forgotten about. Reviewed of course,

but it is about looking fore ward. So she has been a lynch pin for this

team. And she will be moving forward. Serbia are a squad in

development and are missing their striking Dammjanovic. The Keeler

Nilsson plays in Sweden. It is a huge game, coming to England,

playing a top five, I think, it is just a great feeling. I hope there

will be a lot of spectators and hopefully we will keep up with them

and give the audience a good match. We are I think the younger team in

our group. So a lot of players go abroad now. It can help of course

when we go to the stronger leagues. It can help Serbian football that a

lot of girls start to play. A lot of young girls. So in Serbia, the

women's football is in development. So we tell when the girls go to

other country, it helps a lot. Cankovic is their No 10, how much of

a threat is she? Coming here with the English fans, a midfield player,

you want to inspire the crowd and keep this crowd quiet. Today will be

a big game. She spoke about football in England and how it could inspire

back in her country. I think it is about the Serbian team, they're a

young team, they will want to prove a point and England have to be

careful and respect that. But also have to go and get the job done.

This is Serbia's biggest game in qualifying, they will have a point

to play -- prove. Yes and they have nothing to lose. They're a young

team who have come here, this is a huge stage for them. Serbia women's

football is just getting off the ground. It is in its grass roots

level. They will want to make a name for themselves and getting a scalp

for England will get in the news back home. Quick predictions. I'm

hoping three or four nil to England. A clean sheet for England and I'm

going to go with 4-0. I'm confident. At half-time we will have highlights

of Scotland's qualifier with Iceland, but here England and Serbia

are about to appear. Before they do the last minute thoughts from the

three Lionesses. Pulling on shirt is the biggest pride you can have R. It

is massive for us. There is nothing like it. 12 Lions all the way. It

will be a tough game. We need three points and a point win and hopefully

a lot of goals. It is a vital Euro 17 qualifier.

Here to talk us there to action is Sue Smith and Jonathan Pearce. A sad

day, the greatest champion of them all, Muhammad Ali gone. And this

match wouldn't have been on his radar. He would have appreciated the

investment and development in England's women's football since the

last Euro finals. But that improve for it to continue in the

short-term, they need to win their back-to-back games with Serb yachlt

anything short of that would leave them open to a top two challenge

from the Serbs. The group winners go through and the best runners. A

cool, grey evening in Whickham, where England teams have done well

in the past, but they need to move the ball quicker. They need the get

their shots away earlier. If they to win as comfortably as they should

win here today. Yes, I think it should be a comfortable win. But

that is a big should. They need to make sure they're resilient at the

back and it is about that final ball and that clinical ball and being

clinical when they're in front of game. They have been creating

chances, but they have not been scoring them. 4,000 tickets have

been sold. As we await the anthems. A few of the England players looking

nervy. Not Farah Williams. The official Serbian flag is at the

left hand side. Some chuckles, our presentation team, maybe some

chuckles at the fashion sense of presentation team!

Mark Sampson, the England manager. His assistant once scored a

hat-trick for England here. A big day for Steph Houghton and Karen

Bardsley, who spoke to Sue so confidently in that interview before

kick off. Rachel Daly brought in to solve England's scoring problems.

Ellen White returns. Supply from Christiansen and Carney crucial. No

Jordan Nobbs on the bench, she was injured in training.

Experienced options for England up front are limited. Serbia drew with

Belgium, but Belgium had 25 shots and Serbia had one.

Dammjanovic, the player who most concerned England, she is out

injured and that is a relief for Mark Sampson, because they were

worried about her. Yes, she plays on the left and she is very good with

her right foot and will cut in and try and find the bottom corner. They

were pleased when they found she wasn't in. There is Rachel Daly. She

was at Lincoln with you? Yes I'm pleased with her, playing at Houston

Dash, she is pifbging up awards -- picking up awards there. She is in

form and to bring her in is excellent for her and she played

left-back when I played with her at Leeds and Lincoln. She is now

further forward. She is one that will be getting on the end of

crosses. Rashid, England unbeaten at home in

11 European Championship qualifiers going back to Norway. None of those

England team players out there were on display that day. In fact, who in

this stadium was in that last defeat? Let me have a look around.

Sue Smith, you were in that team! I knew you would bring that up. I

said, please don't say that. There's Isobel Christiansen, back after

injury. Good to see her back. She was out with an ankle injury for two

months. She won the PFA Player of the Year award. She'll want to prove

a point, along with a lot of the other players who have come in for

the first time in a while. New kick-off rule, the ball doesn't have

to go forwards these dimes. -- these days. First time we've seen that at

international level. Booted up towards Jill Scott, I think we'll

see a lot of that today. Radojicic has the big fair hair and the green

boots, playing up front for Serbia. She has scored in qualifying,

against Estonia. They were very expansive against Estonia, I think

most teams are, but they are a different team against better

opposition. Given away cheaply by Williams. England will have to be

watchful. Christiansen, the women's Footballer

of the Year. A little clip that gives England the free kick for the

challenge on our most capped footballer.

The captain, lauded for her ambition, desire when she was handed

the armband. Rachel Daly got a shot away early and that's impressed Mark

Sampson in training this week. She's been the top scorer for England in

training sessions and she's got her shots away early. A bright start by

England. It is. Daly originally got called up a few years back and

didn't actually... She got into the squad, but didn't keep her place.

She wanted to impress in training and she's got the starting position

so she will want to take the shots early and test the keeper. If she

can get a goal early, it will build confidence. She showed marked

Sampson she wanted to wear the shirt with the three Lions on the front.

Greenwood getting forward. She does that so well. Couldn't keep it in

play. Those forward runs might be commercial for her place in the

side. -- crucial. I think Greenwood and Bronze will have to provide the

width, especially with the diamond formation. The full-backs will have

to get on and provide the width and get the crosses in. The doors are

open for Claire Rafferty, Katie Chapman, out of the domestic reasons

at the moment. Aluko and Toni Duggan. He's outlined what he thinks

are the shortcomings in their games. But they also experienced. It shows

the competition for places in all positions. You mentioned Claire

Rafferty, Alex Greenwood. Two quality left backs. And Stokes.

Three quality left backs. He's got a real pool of players to choose from.

Williams, orchestrating, in the Heart of Midlothian. Krstic born in

Belgium. Domestic champion on five occasions. Good movement from Carney

already. White tried to get the cross in. She's worked so hard to

get her place back in the side. She has and she's been playing well for

Notts County. Another player in form. Mark Sampson is looking at

players and if you're playing well for your club, why not, come and

play internationally. Three England players going short for the corner,

interesting. They almost exploited it! A shot over from Ellen White.

The intensity England have shown so far is so much more than they have

in the last couple of games I've seen. This is unlucky from Ellen

White. So much time and space. Knew what she was trying to do, but

couldn't get her head over the ball to keep it down. But good movement

initially to create the chance. She was playing in America earlier this

year. England do look sharp. Well into their domestic season, which is

important. They opened up the European Championship campaign, they

had just finished their domestic season. The early games this year,

they were just getting going again. It makes such a difference, the

match fitness. Bronze was such a success at the World Cup finals last

summer, got into the tournament best 11.

Christiansen plays for the current league leaders, Manchester City. A

big contingent of their players in the squad. Smiljkovic, the most

experienced player with 75 internationals to her name. She

scored against England in injury time in the 1-1 draw in September 20

11. A good run by Daly. Took it up with confidence. Interesting that

Mark Sampson said they need to improve their passing, they need to

get their shots away with accuracy. It really has let them down in the

opening couple of games this season. It's been the final ball. The

build-up play has been great, but in the final third, it's that clinical

pass into a player or space that hasn't been there. It's something

they've been working on in training. Mark Sampson's team opened up with

that 8-0 win in Estonia. A narrow 1-0 win against Bosnia in Bristol.

And then a draw at home to Belgium. Jill Scott rescued them. And 1-0 win

in Bosnia through Karen Carney. Real crossroads games. These against

Serbia now. Damjanovic plays in Denmark for the currently leaders.

-- current league leaders. Nobody for Serbia picking up Fara Williams,

strangely. Kozovic, her second international only. Her first in

these championships. You can see straightaway how Serbia

are lining up. Definitely a 45-1. They don't seem to even be trying to

press England at the back. -- 45-1. They are looking for the

counterattack and it makes it difficult to England. They have to

remain patient and keep the intensity high, keep moving the

ball, because they will try to be physical and win the ball back. A

very defensive line-up, which we thought it would be. A possible

chance for an effort. Jonovic got the pass away. We thought she might

play at the back. She's more of a midfield player. Tenkov can play

midfield or defence. We thought she might be in midfield, but she's

playing centre-half alongside Damjanovic. Tenkov is wearing number

four. Plays for red Star Belgrade. Lovely touch from Carney. She was

clattered. Good use of the advantage. White! Off the stanchion,

I think. A little bit of stanchion, a little bit of post and away. Good

chance for England. Very good play from England. It came from Fara

Williams in the middle. Excellent touch from Carney and good to way

from Daly to feed Ellen White. She plays off the shoulder. The angle of

crossbar and post. Carney looks really on top of her game. She's

brought down as well quite cynically by Kozovic. Very impressive use of

the advantage moments ago by the referee from Finland, Lina

Lehtovaara. Karen Carney looks sharp. Every touch she has seems to

take her forward. She wants to drive at players and make things happen.

That's what you want from a number ten. The captain stepping up to take

responsibility. Steph Houghton. She's scored eight goals for England

in her 71 internationals. One this season.

Lucy Bronze on the end of the wall. She will peel away and hopefully

leave a hole. She's wandered away from there, actually. Will she go

back? Yes. Trying to make a nuisance of herself. Houghton could score

here. And very nearly did. Nelson got across -- Nilsson got across.

She hadn't lined up her wall very effectively. Carney forces the

corner and England well on top in the opening exchanges. Steph

Houghton with a free kick. Got to make the keeper work and that's what

she did. A decent save. It's all England in the first ten minutes.

Williams will take it. Goalkeeper came out. Jill Scott took a tumble.

Well claimed by Milsom. Born in Sweden to Serb parents.

Jill Scott, five foot 11, an obvious target in the penalty area.

Was that another foul on Christiansen?

Laura Bassett played one European qualifier, in Bristol begins Bosnia,

but she played holding midfielder that day. Rachel Daly is the 31st

player used by England in qualifying so far. Lovely football from

England, they are playing really well. But they need a goal.

Greenwood crosses it into the middle, a powerful header away by

Damjanovic. She very much holds the defence together. Offside. They had

nine outfield players back inside their penalty area, Serbia. That's

what they are setting up to do. Frustrate England. But England are

moving the ball really well. This is the chance from Ellen White. Her

movement has been excellent. In fact, England's movement has been

excellent. Steph Houghton's free kick. They are very fluid, into

changing positions. Good so far, they just need that goal to settle

them down. Christiansen buzzes around in

midfield, good mobility. Had Jordan Nobbs been fully fit, I don't know

whether she would have started. She picked up an injury in training so

she sit this one out. Tenkov has played just the one game

in qualifying so far, the red Star player.

A good run by Daly and it was a strong challenge by Daly on Tenkov.

Looking for Jill Scott, part of the game plan to get Jill Scott in from

the right-hand side, a supporting role into that sort of area. If you

get good deliveries into the box like that, she will get on the end

of them. She makes late runs into the box that are difficult for

defenders to pick up. She just couldn't glance the head down.

Already has three goals in qualifying, 16 in all in her 107

appearances for England, who are well top. Curious that Lucy Bronze

was out for so long this season. She came on as a substitute in the last

game, the wind in Bosnia. -- the win.

Enjoying herself, Karen Carney. You can see that. Such a talented

player, as we saw in the World Cup finals. Free kick for Serbia. A

moment of respite for them. Really on top of her game today. She looks

sharp and every time she gets the ball she is looking to make

something happen. The movement with herself, Daly and White looks good.

If she goes forward, White or Daly has dropped back into her position.

Not a happy day at Wembley in the FA Cup final when Arsenal beat Chelsea.

A lot of Chelsea players didn't show up that day. Looking for Bronze to

get forward. We saw what she could do in the World Cup finals with her

goals against Norway and Canada. So athletic. She will get up and down

the line. You think, when Ellen White looks into the box, who will

be the first player? Lucy Bronze from full-back. It's a good header.

That's what she'll do, and then she'll work back and win the ball

defensively. She sat to work hard to get her place back. Missed the first

qualifiers with injury. A star of Canada 2014. But nobody in this

squad is should a place in the starting line-up. 15 minutes gone,

no goals. Lovely ball. Greenwood for England. 1-0! They've been on top

since the word go. That's a special moment for Alex Greenwood. She gets

the opening goal of this game. Lovely move. Incisive passing. Moved

the ball quickly and took it well. Fantastic ball from Fara Williams,

playing the ball between the full-back and the centre-half. What

good movement from the full-back. I spoke about Lucy Bronze on the

right, this was Alex Greenwood on the left. Takes a touch to set her

up. She actually took it a bit wide, but hit it exactly where she should

have done. Really bad defending from Serbia, but excellent football from

England. Back on Merseyside in her club career. Was inevitable player,

went to Notts County for a year, now back at her home town, Liverpool,

and enjoying herself. She gets a goal for her country. Played the

last couple of qualifiers. Seems to have won that left back berth now.

I much prefer Williams in the centre of the park. She is pivotal in

everything. Everything good for England. She gets on the ball, she

makes things happen, she can pass long or short, great vision, very

experienced. When she played out wide in the diamond, on the right,

she wasn't involved in. Christiansen gives England a different dimensions

well in midfield. She gives them energy. Likes to get forward. Likes

to get on the ball. All the England players like to play football, move

the ball quickly. When you're playing a team that will sit back,

like Serbia, that's what you have to have. A smile from the manager. Not

the Serbian boss! His son is amongst his coaching staff.

Greenwood up again looking for a second. She's already doubled her

goal tally as an England player with that very well taken opener today.

Serbia are playing into England's hands, they are not pressing

anywhere near high enough. Just sat in their own half.

Cankovic can create, she's a player. Title winning years at home, now at

Ferencvaros. She seems to be hobbling and slowing now, Cankovic.

Strong challenge. But the referee allowed it to go on.

Poljak, the number seven, I don't think has touched the ball yet.

She's only 17. Bassett has missed the last five games for England. A

very likeable character. The pass from Bassett was too long for Alex

Greenwood. But good to see Bassett back. She was the player who

suffered that cruel heartache against Japan in the World Cup, that

semifinal. She was strong enough to get over it and come back. Very

dependable. She really is, and she showed real mental toughness to come

back and have a good game against Germany. She had had a great

tournament, but that one mistake everyone remembered. Support from

social media was so strong, it touched her and helped get over that

nightmare on the pitch. A real character, a real leader. Looking to

get through to her fourth European finals, Laura Bassett.

Steph Houghton had all the time in the world. Runners-up in 1984 and

again in 2009 in this competition, England.

It took a good challenge to stop Bronze. The game plan is working

really well. Get the full-back 's high. Alex Greenwood was coming in.

So much space out wide for the full-backs. The game plan is spot

on. This is the goal begin. What a ball between the centre-half and the

full-back. That is a cool and calm finish from the full-back.

Defensively very poor if you're looking at it from that point of

view, but from an England perspective, good play. We are

getting lots of messages asking about your fitness and Doncaster

Belles. We can't stop your mum text in us! How is your fitness? I'm

getting there. I would have been on the bench for the Arsenal game, but

got rained off, typical. The Serbian manager. A real strange

form guide if you look at their games so far. They had a result in

Belgium. But they lost against Bosnia at home. Bosnia, when they

played in England, offered at nothing in terms of attack

whatsoever. In the same way, Serbia went to Belgium, they were very,

very cagey and it paid off. Very inconsistent team. The stats show

they just defended against Belgium and it worked for them. England

can't make mistakes. Radojicic chasing down on Steph Houghton.

That's the only problem when you're playing against a team where it's a

really easy game for the England players. You have to remain

concentrated for the entire 90 minutes because one mistake and they

will just shut up shop. Christiansen scuffed the pass. Poljak couldn't

win it back. The teenager looking a little bit overwrought. The cross is

it all the way through. -- overwrought.

Looking for her erstwhile strike partner. Sampson described the two

of them as a twin pronged strike partnership for England. At times

Karen Carney has run beyond them, as has Jill Scott. Good display, but

only one goal. Poljak couldn't pick up the ball

again. A horrible past to her. -- pass. Carney being chased by Maria

Ilich, Nonda leave the holding play in midfield with the long urban

hair. -- Maria Ilich. Greenwood with the cross. Over the

bar by Bronze! All England. Full-back to full-back.

Rachel Daly, initially, I think it just fell at Lucy Bronze to quickly

and she couldn't adjust her feet quick enough. She has her head in

her hands, she thinks she should have done better, but it came at her

at some place. Has one for Manchester City this season, top of

the table. They look sure-fire favourites to go on and win the

title. They do, they've been in top form. They haven't conceded a goal

in the WSL. Defensively very solid and excellent going forward. Here's

the captain of and country. -- club and country. A corner kick.

From this platform, England should go on and win this comfortably.

Scott in there. Greenwood, is she looking for Jill Scott? No, Lucy

Bronze! Just wide. That was right out of the World Cup finals set

piece workbook from last year. It really was. What good movement. Got

herself in front of two defenders and won the ball in the air. Really

athletic, rises above everyone and just past the far post. Unlucky.

Excellent delivery from Greenwood. When you have the ball whipped in at

such pace, you just need to get your head on it. England dominant. Nine

attempts on goal. I very much doubt Serbia will have one in 90 minutes,

not the way they are playing. The foot was a bit high from... A throw

to Serbia. England mustn't get nonchalantly. Remembering that

results in Belgium. He knows that, Mark Sampson. They found it

difficult to get any video evidence on the Serbian team. He has watched

them, of course. Studied video this week of their against Estonia. A

rare touch of the ball for Karen Bardsley. Hasn't she bounced back

after that error against Belgium so well with a run of clean sheets for

Manchester City? She's such a good character, Karen Bardsley. When I

spoke to her, it was just, forget that, learn from it, forget the

mistake and move on. Let's be positive and look forward. That's

what she's about. She's that kind of person and she's done so well for

Manchester City and that will carry on into her international form.

Williams. 153 caps. She will win 200 if they are all as easy as this one!

If England win this comfortably, what do you think Mark Sampson

should settle on for his side? A 14 or 15? I don't think he knows. He

doesn't know his centre-half partnership. He's tried a number of

players. Casey Stoney, Gilly Flaherty. And now Laura Bassett. You

need to at least have your back four or your centre-half partnership. And

then yes, if they play well, can you carry that momentum forward and that

consistency? That makes such a difference. It's why Manchester City

have been so good in the WSL. They kept their back five and been

difficult to break down. Williams, also, important to have a

relationship with her centre backs in order to pick up the ball and

play the playmaking role. Williams has had an excellent game for

England and goes for goal. That would have been special. I can't

believe Serbia haven't put anyone on Fara Williams. She's making

everything happen for England. She's picking up the ball and even

creating chances for herself. You would certainly put someone on her

because it starts from Fara Williams. She picks the ball up from

the centre-half and look for the Pats. Arsenal player these days, but

started at Chelsea. White with a dipping shot! The keeper just got

back. Christian follows up and very nearly made it two. -- Christiansen.

How is the scoreline just 1-0? The goalkeeper was injured. A

speculative effort from Ellen White. She thought she would just have a

go. The goalkeeper's positioning was all wrong. Christiansen, good

movement to follow up. Always follow up and that's what she did. Just

couldn't get the clinical shot away. She will have wanted to have done

better because Christiansen gets herself into good positions like

that for Manchester City and often put them away. They do have a

problem with the goalkeeper, but she's OK. Christiansen looks really,

like Carney and Williams, on top of her game today. You have to take the

standard of the opposition into consideration and Serbia are poor.

All the way through to the goalkeeper, Nilsson. We say Serbia

are poor, but as one sa commentator said, you can only beat what is in

front of you. Carney towards Daly. Still going.

And fouling the defender. Just the possibility she could try a bit too

hard in a way on her England debut. Just explain what I mean, Sue. When

it is your debut, you want to impress and you do everything a bit

more than you would normally do in a game, without playing your own game.

Rachel Daly will do that all day long. Her and Ellen White, their

work ethic is phenomenal. Rachel Daly, because she has been a

full-back, she defends from the front and she has caused problems

for Serbia by doing that. That sets everybody up to do the same job. A

very good explanation of what I tried to say, but coulden. It means

you're understanding me as well, which is remarkable.

Another speculative effort. Williams, well they said they were

going to get shots away early. That is what they have been working on

all week. And they R Testing the keeper at every opportunity.

Williams with acres of space. Took a touch, took another touch and was

able to strike at goal. All the space in the world here for

Greenwood. White challenge and oh - it is a penalty. Tenkov got too

close. Didn't need to get that close. There was a touch. She

protests. Penalty to England. I think it was a penalty as well.

Ellen White was taking the ball away from goal. No need to barge into the

back of her. As she has taken the ball away, it probably would have

gone out of play. Karen Carney will take it. 26 goals for England.

Scored away in Bosnia in the last game. It was a crucial match winner.

This to put England 2-0 up. They deserve to be two ahead. Oh, she has

to replace the ball. Will that have blurred her focus. And she has to

place it back on the spot. She doesn't want to put it in the dip of

the spot. There is a little dip. That is what she is saying to

referee. Any reason for alarm? No! 2-0 England! Karen Carney did well.

When you have to replace the ball, you start thinking and maybe change

your mind. She had it set what she was going to do. That is experience

for you. Right in the bottom corner. Keeper had no chance. I would expect

on the eve of their departure for France, the England men's team are

watching this. And it would be a lovely to see or hear some messages

from them to the England women. Maybe at half-time or full-time. If

you're watching boys, get on your mobiles and let's see what you think

about these Lionesses today. This is a good performance.

A good European qualifying for the home nation Scotland, they have done

extremely well so far. The last ten minutes of first half. England

comfortable at 2-0 up. Serbia, I thought they had gone to a

centre-back three with Krstic dropping alongside Dammjanovic and

Tenkov. Surely they haven't Gonul gone ultradefensive at 2-0 down? I

think it was just for a moment. A real slump of the shoulder there

is as the teenager lost possession. Could be a third here for England.

No, the cross overstruck, beyond the far post. White and Daly had made

the same sort of run. Scott fouled Cankovic. As soon as

England give the ball away, there are one or two players trying to win

the ball back. It is like they're all playing for that you are places,

which they probably are! Well played by Christiansen.

Ilic tried to get it away. The free kick has been given. They do play

the ball dangerously around in their own box, Serb yachlt England --

Serbia. England unbeaten since 2002 at home in qualifiers. That game at

Crystal Palace was a game they thought they should have won. But

barring an unbelievable collapse they will win this game. Daly.

Look at the space. I think Serbia will tire. I think it will be even

more space for England if they keep moving the ball quickly. Serbia just

can't keep up. They have enjoyed the space of Buckinghamshire today,

England. My grand-dad used to enjoy the open

spaces of Buckinghamshire. He was manager of Wycombe. His

opportunities for space were not that good after he got nicked! He

was not a good boy. But that is perhaps a story for another day!

Sliced. Very nearly into her own net. But across the goal it went.

Not a good clearance at all by Jonovic. This is only her ninth

appearance in the side. Not really been in the game. She is a player

who should be closer to Williams. Five minutes left in the first half.

England well in control. Another reason Ellen White is back

in the side, Mark Sampson pin pointed her ability in the air. If

you get a cross in the box, she is very fearless. She will get on the

end of anything, she will put her head in there. And she is clinical

in front of goal. And wants to score. She has that desire the get

into positions. She has got herself into a couple of positions today.

Not quite had the finish. But hopefully she will in the second

half. Greenwood has a flag against her.

Did she use a hand? I didn't think it was out of play. She is asking

the question. I think they said the ball had gone out of play. But it

was a close one. England players first to every loose

ball. Serbia retreating ten behind the ball.

A bit of hesitation for Serbia at the back. I don't think it was a

personality. I think the referee got it right. Bronze with the cross and

deflected off White. She gets a second chance and back to Daly. A

goal on her England debut! 3-0. All smiles. They deserved that goal.

Ellen White so unselfishly got the ball. She could have had a shot

herself. But she squared to it Rachel Daly. That is nice on your

debut to score. Again good build up play. Bronze and White and what on

earth, I have no idea what is happening there. White should have

had a shot. But she didn't. Squared it to Daly. I think Ellen white felt

she needed to make up for the fact it was her deflection that took the

ball away from Daly. But she gets the goal and England are 3-0 up.

It is like the early World Cup qualifiers when England were so

dominant. Smiljkovic. That was a good effort. If Serbia had been less

conservative, they have players who can create danger, we could have

seen a completely different game. Just a reminder of what they can

create. Not a red shirt within what? 20

yards? They have one centre forward. She has to hold the ball up. Bronze,

not a good ball. That is the danger for England, they're so much in the

comfort zone. Too easy. Carney into the box. Gets the shot

away. Good play. Bronze plays it to Carney's path and it is a good

positive touch. She does haven't the finish. She has had a good first

half though Karen Carney. Carney and Williams, two of the most creative

players at last summer's World Cup. But it almost as if Serbia haven't

done any homework. Their resources of course do not compare to the

resources the English FA are putting into the women's game. So we should

take that into consideration. But they should have done more work on

England than they have done. It is a developing football country and a

lot of players have to go to other countries to improve their game if

you like. So you can tell there is a massive gap between the two teams.

But you would know Williams and Carney as key England players and

players they have to stop and they haven't got anywhere near them.

Tried to get it away to Poljak there. Frustrating role for the lone

striker up front Radojicic. That got deflected. Comes to the far

post. Bronze was coming in. It is a goal kick. Both full-backs are

playing like wingers. The cross in and Bronze couldn't quite get

anything on it to score. England do have three and Greenwood with the

first, at the far post. Carney scored the second from the spot

after White was fouled. And then on her debut, Rachel Daly scored the

third three minutes before the break. England in pole position to

go on and record a very big victory. An important victory. They're 3-0 up

at the break. That is more like it from England.

What did you make of that? Brilliant. There was flair,

precision, there was real energy in that performance. Everything that we

wanted England to provide us. Some of the goals were really, had such

fantastic build ups. They have got width on the pitch and creativity. A

breath of fresh air. How good were England, how bad were Serbia. I

think England were that good. It was an inspiring performance. Everyone

wants to get opt ball. They have had the tempo when they have needed it

and when they have needed to be composed they're moving it around. I

think it is difficult for Serbia. I don't think it is necessarily how

bad Serbia were, it is just England were that good. It was always going

to be tough for Serbia. England are ranked so many places above them

that it is difficult for them. But I think England, the way they played,

they have put it on Serbia and Serbia have now, they're back to the

wall, they're block England and now it is the test - can England carry

on that performance in the second half? Big holes in Serbia's defence.

That led to the first goal from Greenwood. A lot of this is England

stretching the play. The full-backs are both providing that width.

Beautiful ball from Williams and a tidy finish. But Greenwood and

Bronze have been doing this all the whole 45 minutes. She is checking

where the player is, the right back is looking infield. Greenwood gets

on her back shoulder and brilliant timing of the run and that is a

clinical finish. Even if it doesn't go in, it is going to get a

deflection. I thought Williams was going to shoot. She spotted the

pass. It is a brilliant pass and Greenwood finished it brilliantly. A

penalty made it two. Was it a penalty? I wasn't so sure. It is not

much of a touch. Ellen's done well. She is going away from goal. If the

referee hadn't have given it, I wouldn't have been shouting penalty.

But technically she does get a push. I think it was a soft one. After a

lot of delay, Carney does well to dispatch a perfect penalty. Anywhere

else in the free kick the referee would give it as a free kick. How

great for Rachel Daly to score on her debut. It is exactly what you

want. You want somebody like Ellen white to settle her down and set her

up. Ellen could have shot and that is a fantastic pull back. Rachel

calls for this one and Ellen gets in the way and Ellen repays the favour.

That is what you want. Calms you down and she has scored on her

debut. A new strike partnership for England. How hard was Ellen White

working? You know you will get that from Ellen. That is her trade mark.

She loves a slide tackle. But she works hard and will always stretch

the back line to create space. We see her start fresh and confident.

This season for Notts she has been, she has been fantastic. Been linking

up with with Rachel here for the club. And we knew she was going to

bring that. She will make the centre halves drop in, she will shoot left

foot, right foot. It is great to see her working like that. You know what

you're going to get from her. She is hard working and will close down

every ball. She has great movement and will run off the ball. She is

fantastic. Things like that shot there, keepers are not expect it. To

do something out of nothing. She scored one at the World Cup. That is

the sign of a player with confidence. What will Mark Sampson

be saying? I don't think she will change anything. For that second

goal, Christiansen hustled the keeper and made it difficult for her

to get hold of ball and that enabled Rachel to get her goal. She is

combining well with the experience of Karen Carney and the others. So

for me the midfield is working well. The full-backs need to keep their

width. That is stretching Serbia and creating the gaps for England to

prove their creativity. Scotland have made a perfect start to their

qualifying campaign, winning their first five matches, last night they

faced their nearest rivals Iceland in Falkirk. Watching was Paul

Mitchell. Scotland are perfect in group one so far. Iceland have

qualified for the last two European finals. They have yet to concede a

goal. Free kick against Scotland that

time. Getting involved in the physical sense. That is decent play

from Iceland. But Mitchell was a bit clumsy. Free kick and not dealt with

by Scotland at all. That was poor from Scotland. It is a simple goal,

Hallbera Guony Gisladottir scores for just the second time for her

country. They should have put it behind. She fooled her keeper and

Fay could only watch it nestle in the net. In it goes. And just no

finishing touch from Jane Ross. Again it is close, but not close

enough. Great play from Scotland. It is in. The header away. A great

ball in. A really strong head iras well. And the top scorer Harpa

Thorsteinsdottir makes it 2-0. You can't ask for better and Harpa

Thorsteinsdottir hammers home the header. Despite the best efforts of

Jemma Fay. Scotland have to be careful here again. A tasty

backpass. Fay knew it was wide. She had to accelerate. Smith put a bit

of pep into the backpass. Another powerful header and another good

goal. The mask didn't bother her and Gunnhilder Yrsa Jonsdottir scores

for the first time in European qualification. That is a simple

goal. Scotland are undone again. That was a poor pass. Here is the

dangerous player. Into the middle thshgs this could be

four and it is four. Veer veer and Scotland are being torn apart. It is

clinical football from Iceland and a simple header from Margret Lara

Vioarsdottir. There was a shout for hand ball. Here is a penalty. As

clear a hand pal as you will see. The arm going up to the side. That

is a penalty. Little for consolation for Scotland. Step up. Oh, it is not

Scotland's night. Back off the post. Stepped up. The keeper the wrong

way. Iceland have frustrated Scotland all night. This time it is

the job of the frame to do so. Scotland had hoped for points, but

they have been sunk by a strong Iceland side.

STUDIO: Scotland's defeat sees Iceland move to to top of the group.

Scotland are assured of a play-off place and play Belarus on Tuesday.

Northern Ireland were also in action. Their captain scored twice

in Belfast as they beat Georgina 4-0. Switzerland's win almost

assures them their place in the finals. Northern Ireland are still

in with a chance of qualification. Not such good news for the Republic

of Ireland. Their defeat in Finland means their hopes of qualifying are

hanging by a thread. Spain are in pole position in group two. Wales

welcome Norway to Newport on Tuesday. Wales lie third in group

eight. But all their remaining games are at home.

Was that a reality check for Scotland? Possibly. Iceland are a

strong team. But they will be disappointed with a 4-0 defeat at

home. But there is still a lot to play for for Scotland and I believe

they will go through in second place. They're guaranteed a spot in

the play-offs. Yes. Consolation. The women's Euros start in July next

year. But the men's are only six days away.

It all starts next Friday. Before then we have a couple of programmes

to get you in the mood. Thierry Henry gives us a history of the

tournament on Tuesday. And the following evening, a special

Football Focus. Tonight there is a special programme on BBC1,

celebrating the life of the greatest sportsman of the 20th century.

Muhammad Ali the Greatest starts at 9.30.

If your striker, you're looking to score two or three in the

second-half? It's a funny one, the second half can dip off after a

great first. Mark Sampson might want to make changes and introduce other

players. If you're a striker on the bench, you want to get on. Lucy

Bronze getting into goal-scoring positions like at the World Cup last

summer. That's one of her major strengths. Not only providing the

width and crossing the ball, but she has the quality when the ball is put

into the area to be really, really strong in the air. We saw her

scoring critical goals at the World Cup. Her quality in this first half

hasn't been quite up to touch and she'll be looking to improve in the

second half. They are fighting for their spots. Of course, and they

have do. That's the way it should be. I'd like to see Nikita Parris

come on. I'd like to see her have an England debut and possibly get on

the scoresheet. The second half is about to restart.

Let's rejoin Jonathan Pearce and Sue Smith. Thanks very much. No changes

for either side at half-time. England players in a huddle. What

are your thoughts as we head into the second 45 minutes? They have to

do the same as the first half. They have to keep the intensity and

quality going forward. Keep getting Williams and Carney on the ball

because they are causing problems. But remain concentrated at the back,

don't make mistakes. Keep doing what you're doing, girls, because you're

doing really well. The first time England have scored more than one

goal in ten games now, since they Peter Stone 8-0. Serbia get us under

way. -- since they beat Estonia 8-0. Don't be fooled by their

starting formation. Only Cankovic is playing advanced. They have made a

slight change. They've thrown Allegra Poljak, the number seven,

into the front running role. The 17-year-old looked ill suited on the

left-hand side. Favourite drawn -- withdrawn Radojicic, the number

nine, to the left-hand side, may be to physically match the runs of Lucy

Bronze. Already Fara Williams in space at

the start of the second half. You'd have thought the coach of Serbia

would have got at them and say you've got to close down on the

England playmaking number four. Just doesn't seem to have happened.

Ellen White went to bend it. Deflected away. Cleared out by

Smiljkovic. England's players look in tiptop

physical condition. They are certainly on top technically. Scott

looks to add another and it was cleared away by Krstic. England

looking for another at the start of the second half. Good save from the

effort from Fara Williams. Mark Sampson gave the instruction to

shoot on sight. That's exactly what being players are doing. This isn't

a bad effort and it's a decent save from Nilsson. Another good start

from England. Very positive. Terrific effort from Williams, her

second of the game like that. She looks to add to those 37

international goals. Three at the World Cup finals last year.

Damjanovic, experienced player. Williams thought about another shot.

Cleared away by Jonovic. Again they've reverted to a more defensive

lineman up now. I thought they might come out in the second half to play

adventurously and have a go, but no. Damage limitation. You mentioned

earlier in the first half that when they do go forward, they do have

players that can make things happen. I'd like to see them have a bit of a

go. Go to maybe two up top, but they are showing no intent on even

crossing the halfway line. White, leaning back... Only one

place the ball can go and that's up in the air. Getting themselves into

good positions. White was just falling backwards as she hit it so

the ball was always going to go over the bar. Serbia have never qualified

for the European Championships in five attempts, nor a World Cup in

six qualifying campaigns. Fifth out of sixth in the last World Cup

qualifying campaign. Only malt were below them, losing all ten games.

Lovely run by Carney. Greenwood coming in, but just cleared away by

Smiljkovic. Speaking about how good Carney and Williams are, we've not

even mentioned Jill Scott and she's been excellent. Lovely backheel.

She's won the ball back quickly and she's given it to the likes of

Carney, who will go forward and create and make things happen.

Ellen White! England have the fourth. Look at the expression of

joy. She's worked so very hard to get back into the England line-up.

She's one of the most deserving players in the England women's game

and she gets her goal. So pleased for Ellen White. She works so hard

and so deserves a chance. She's been playing well at club level and she

works as socks off, gets a seven to good positions, but hasn't had the

quality in front of goal until now. This is excellent play. Takes a

touch. Again, falling backwards, but just manages to slot it into the top

corner. She so deserves that goal, how she's played and how she's set

up other players and created things. She needed that goal just for

herself and you can see how much it means. Her family were out in

Canada. We often bumped into them. She didn't have a great time, played

a couple of games. An hour against Germany, I seem to remember. I think

her last goal was against Turkey in the early games in World Cup

qualifying. She had a bad injury. She really has deserved this today.

Carney! Time to set her sights! And Christian servant! England have

another. -- Christiansen. They are poaching goals now and they are

running Serbia ragged. England are 5-0 up. Exactly what we wanted to

see from England, goals, which they haven't been able to do in the last

few games. Defensively they've been OK, but offensively they haven't

been clinical. This is what the fans wanted to see. The crowd are on

their feet and singing. A poacher's goal from Christiansen. Top-class

finish. That's what she'll do. She'll make those late runs into the

box, she's prepared to do that. They've got a nice England, today.

-- a nice balance. Delighted manager. His game plan has worked.

Left a couple of big names out of the squad in Aluko and Duggan. A few

eyebrows raised. No player safe on previous reputation. They have to

put in performances in training and he's made very, very clear. His team

today have certainly got the message. Get forward quickly, pass

the ball quickly and slickly. They've passed the ball much better

today than they have in any of the other qualifiers so far. Go looking

for the chances. Be hungry for the chances and take them. They've been

hungry today. Christiansen's second of the

European Championship qualifying campaign. She's had a terrific game.

You have to pick player of the match later! I have no idea! Normally you

could ask a kind commentator for some help, but you've got no chance.

I'm on my own. You are. Serbia making a substitution. They are

going to take Marija Ilic off, the defensive midfielder player. Sanda

Malesevic is going to come on. She was a late introduction into the

squad. A defensive midfielder player when you are 5-0 down suggests you

haven't done your job, but she's worked hard. She's worked hard, but

she's been poor, she's given the ball away a lot. She might have won

it back at times, but straightaway she's given it away. You have to

give credit to England for the way they've not allow them to pass the

ball forward, but she hasn't had a great game. Malesevic came into the

squad because of the withdrawal of Damnjanovic. She's a central

midfield player. The long black hair. Fouled Daly, but the referee

said no. The referee has been excellent, by the way. Referees get

criticised every week, and in the women's game in particular, referees

have been criticised. Pour in many of the World Cup finals games, but

she's been top notch today. They are developing and getting better.

Williams wants a goal today. She does. That's what she's looked

for. She's had so much time to do that. She's been able to take a

touch, look up, try to pick a spot. Hasn't quite done so yet, but I

wouldn't bet against her. 5-0, England. 23 attempts on goal! Serbia

have had one from Radojicic, who was their most likely player to score

before they withdrew her into a deeper role. She looked despairing

as it was whacked forward. A feel of the ball for Karen Bardsley, who's

had so little to do. Name Karen Bardsley as man of the match, Sue!

That will shake them up. You won't work again, but don't worry about

that. Thanks for your help! I think England are going to make a

substitution any moment now. It's going to be another debut. Nikita

Parris will come on. Manchester city player who's been in good club form.

Former Everton player. Overall, your thoughts of Rachel Daly on her

debut? Good debut, good goal. Worked hard and defended from the front. I

think she'll be happy with that performance and is now nice to see

Nikita Parris. She's done ever so well for Manchester city. Another

player who likes to dribble at players, gets across in. It's

something she's really improved on. Her final ball. Been in the score

for the last couple of games and makes her debut now. On the edge of

the six yard area. Parris with her first touch! Wouldn't that have been

something? Cankovic on the line denied her a dream goal. First touch

and nearly making England's six goal. What an impression that would

have been. Just in a good position to steer the ball towards goal.

Ellen White couldn't quite get the final touch. That's what Parris will

do, she'll find the little spaces and want to get on the ball and make

things happen. Very confident player. Everton's Player of the

Season a couple of years ago when they went down. Came through the

Everton centre of excellence. Another good effort from Karen

Carney. Back into the middle and out by Damjanovic.

Serbia all over the place at the moment. They just want the coach to

be able to get his engine going and get them out of there as soon as

possible. The players fly to Serbia on the same plane tomorrow. England

5-0 up. They will be the louder Crewe on that plane tomorrow.

Certain things Serbia have done are very, very strange. That little

passage of play. I don't know why they tried it. England are straight

back on them. I'm also trying to play the ball out

from the back, but when you have so many England players pressuring you,

you just have to get rid. They've enjoyed it all, the young England

followers. Tickets for England women's game is very attractively

priced. Sensibly so by the FA. Just shy of the hour, 5-0. Parris is

there. Carne! Is it over the line? Goals signalled and England have

six. Carney from close range. They couldn't keep it out and they

couldn't keep her at bay. How she's deserved that. Serbia are all over

the place, they aren't marking players from set pieces or free

play. A lovely ball in. Nikita Parris with the initial touch. Karen

Carney is claiming it. When you whip in a ball like that, it's so

difficult to defend. I think it's Karen Carney's goal. I think it goes

off her wrong knee. She goes to strike it and it went off her left

knee. She claims the goal. I don't think she cares. Just getting bodies

in the box and they are hungry. They want to score more goals. So

pleasing to see. Jill Scott won't get the headlines,

but she's played very well. Lucy Bronze, stronger, more balanced,

ruthless. We've said it before, hungry England team today.

Karen Carney has taken her goal tally to 28 for her country today.

England could have had another. -- and she could have had another.

England are lining up another substitution. Gemma Davison is going

to come on, I think. She's getting ready.

Laura Bassett and Steph Houghton have done everything asked of them.

Christian's return has been key as well for England. -- Christiansen's

return. Looking for the forlorn Allegra Poljak. Just the one start

in the European Championship qualifiers for her before today.

She's been in the squad. She'll remember this one. Only 17.

She's forced that corner and I wouldn't be surprised if she is on

the end of it as well. I wonder if the Serbian defenders will be able

to track Lucy Bronze. They haven't. She's gone for goal!

It's in the back of the net! Carney was in there and gets the

congratulations. England absolutely rampant now. 7-0. Why didn't they

pick up Lucy Bronze? It was such an obvious move. Marking was awful. Is

it an own goal? It's not Karen Carney. Did it come off the defender

and then off Karen Carney's back? I think she's saying it's hers. Lucy

Bronze found herself in space. No Serbia player marking her. Able to

turn and whip it in. You just put it into a dangerous area and that's

what she did and it led to another goal for England. Karen Carney

claims a hat-trick. Could well have come off Nilsson. Really hard to

see. To one is looking down to Carney as if to say, you claim it.

It might have come off the goalkeeper's flank. England are 7-0

up. Might have got a touch of Carney's foot as it went in.

Gemma Davison is on for England. Jill Scott has gone off. She's

wearing number 17. If you're Serbia player, it's the last thing you want

to see, Gemma Davison coming on. She will get on the ball and want to

dribble, take you on with lots of pace. It does hit Karen Carney! She

just put her leg out hoping for the best. Patrick goal! -- hat-trick.

She's been excellent. I don't understand... I don't really care,

to be honest, but how did Serbia not know the corner was going to go to

Lucy Bronze? Fairly obvious what England were going to go -- do.

Simple errors, simple football. They haven't picked up players, their

shape has been all over the place. Their passing has been poor. No idea

how they drew with Belgium. Belgium offered a lot more when England laid

them. There's the confirmation. Carney makes it seven and claims a

hat-trick. Corner kick has been given. They are going to make a

substitution, Serbia. Nina Blagojevic is going to come on.

Marija Jonovic departs. Midfield player. Blagojevic comes on. She

plays for Red Star Belgrade, who finished third this season. 19 years

old. Good touch by White to Parris.

Cleared away by Tenkov. Only as far as Parris again. Greenwood joining

in. Carney looking for Houghton! Cleared

away by Tenkov. Christiansen... Over the bar.

I thought Steph Houghton might have scored. She beat the goalkeeper.

Couldn't quite see where it had come down. Christiansen could have gone

down. Really rash challenge from the defender. But she stayed her feet

and couldn't quite get the ball where she wanted it to go, the back

of the net. Offside. So important for the

Serbian players to keep their discipline and keep it down to a

manageable scoreline, but a very good day for Mark Sampson and

England. Williams, they've failed to deal

with her all day long. There's the pace from Davison. Can she finished?

It nearly came out to White. So close to an eighth. Serbia have

changed Poljak's position again. She's gone to a sort of makeshift...

Well, I don't know, really. Left back? Left midfield? They are all at

sea. Gemma Davison so lucky and so close to another. She showed her

quality and her quick feet straightaway. Looking to dribble at

the defence. Gets herself into the area. Just couldn't quite put the

ball past the keeper. Straight at the goalkeeper so easy to save.

Lovely quick feet from Gemma Davison. She'll be looking to make

her mark on this game. Rachel Yankey said it at half-time. As a forward,

you want to come on in this game because you will get so much of the

ball. Lovely ball from Carney to Bronze. Forced off it by Damjanovic.

England's record win is their teen- zero against Hungary away in October

2005. -- 13-0. Substitute has given that away. Blagojevic.

Carney has been excellent. So has Christiansen. Can't fault in England

performance. -- any England performance. The full-backs are high

and driving on purposefully. Parris is running in behind and looks for

the return. Offside. Confident football by England. Should be

confident at 7-0, mind you! I've been really impressed by England's

decision-making. It's been their problem in a couple of games, the

final ball. Tonight has been excellent and that's been the

difference. Once more, they are having fun out there today, the

England players. Great to see an expression of unbridled joy when

they score a goal. All smiles. No posing. Grimacing. We see that in

places elsewhere. Parris may be fast, but she's not

jet heeled! Well, what does he do to repair his

team before the return game in the week? They look totally dishevelled

and dispirited. Parris went for it. I think that's England's 30th effort

on goal. Very confident, Nikita Parris. Another player that will

want to come on and make her mark, show what she can do. 30th attempt!

17 of those on target. 7-0 up. Radojicic looking in despair.

Plays at a decent level in Iceland. Such a difficult job for a lone

striker. But when the ball has come to her, she hasn't held the ball up

and brought other players in. She is very disheartened. Again look at the

space. Freedom all day to play make. No

pressure on Houghton and she was ten yards inside the half. They have

dropped far too deep all game long Serbia and they have given it away

again. The touch took it too wide. But a

corner for England. Another substitution for England. Moore

comes on. And Christiansen will be replaced. In comes Jade Moore, a

Birmingham player, sixth in the league this season. Had a good spell

of late. A strong challenge there by Tenkov.

Wouldn't want to mess with her. She looks a formidable character! I

think she is still burning with the fact that the penalty was given

against her in the first half. She has not had a good game. She went

across and got a bit muddly. Moore had a good World Cup. Shep has

struggled with -- she has struggled with injury a bit this season. She

is back playing for Birmingham. Good for her to get minutes under her

belt. Birmingham are up to third. They

have had a good run. They have had some good results and they have

surprised a lot of people. Dammjanovic and the foul is give

against Parris. But that is almost suicidal. Especially when got Parris

there. She wants the keeper to come out. But if the keeper doesn't,

you're to make a decision. The keeper has made a couple of decent

saves. She has been out of position a couple of times and England have

tried to catch her out. Made one good save in the first half. She

just got back to push it away. I think it was from Farah Williams.

She has not had any protection from her defence. Or her midfield! One of

those days for Serbia. The decision tos against Radojicic. They have

always played capably and England could depend on her in the World Cup

finals when she played. Williams looking for Moore.

Cankovic. Well that was simply to get the ball

way from danger. As far as you can and hope that England don't come

back at us. Because it has been like just a... White wave of England

players, rolling forward. Time after time after time after time. A bright

run by Davison, trying to feed Parris. Smiljkovic, she might groan,

but she should have done better. That is offside against Bronze. We

were talking about her, she made it clear what she thinks of the service

up to her. It has been poor. Some of the deliveries from the back. She

hasn't held it up at all. She has to do better herself. She is very much

looks like she is blaming the others. But I don't think her

quality has been good. There she is. Just delayed the pass out side and

so England have the throw. Karen Carney's hat-trick will hog

the headlines. Davison only on the bench for the

Cup Final when Chelsea played so poorly. That was a strong challenge

by Basset. Hat-tricks became the norm in the

World Cup qualifying campaign for England. Carney got one. She got

eight in all in qualifying for Canada. Not a good touch there.

Wrong foot and goes wide. Good movement. Your full-back coming in

off the line. Ball into White and she just set it for bronze. She was

trying to curl it around. That could have been the eighth. But lovely

movement and lovely set up. It was jvrss -- just on her wrong foot. It

is straight out of the coaching manual, get your full-backs off the

line. Serbia haven't been able to deal with it. It has been like six

England players going forward. It is important to stress they have, the

Serbia FA does not have the resources the English FA has to put

into women's football. Not at this moment in time. They lack those

resources. The level of the Serbian league is way below that of the set

up in England with the Super League. We put that into perspective. Having

said that, England have been very good and Serbia have been very bad!

It is a lot of basics with the Serbian team today. They haven't got

them right defensively and going forward. They have been able to pass

the ball to each other. But England have been excellent. Straight

through to the keeper. A few cheers there! She has seen the ball so

rarely! And the time is drawing nigh, Sue Smith, to choose that

player of the game. Such a difficult call. Parris has gone for to corner

with the deflection. Not given. I don't think the referee really knew.

She looked to her assistant. A good movement from Parris and a good

first touch. She strikes... Don't know if it did. No, I think that is

a goal kick. I think the referee was spot on there. Sometimes when a

player protest, you think it must have come off the player. I know

you're looking to me to give this player of the match. I think

Williams has been excellent. She has come very close. Christiansen and

Scott have had excellent games. Ellen White. I'm going through all

the team now aren't I. I have to give it to Karen Carney. She has

three goals, linked up play and yeah, got to give it to Karen Khan

y. Carney. Went the wrong way around there didn't I? No clam! Well done.

Sue Smith dithering over a decision. Will a stories I could tell. An

England chance again. Davison. Oh she went for a backheel, a bit of

show boating there. A real opportunity for an eighth goal.

Could have gone on her own. A positive run. Having stolen the ball

off Tenkov. Good anticipation from Davison. I thought she was going to

go all the way. She tried to be too creative with the backheel. Parris

was free. Could have been a pass into the back of the net. I think

England need Gemma Davison flying and in form. A positive influence. A

good player. Williams has been excellent. Jade Moore having a look

what's on. It is a training ground exercise

here. Parris looking for the foul. Not given. The Serbian players are

getting up. Tenkov brandishing an imaginary yellow card there. And a

crowd agreeing with your decision there, Sue. I'm glad about that.

Just announced in the stadium that Karen Carney is the player of the

match. Could have been one of many. Farah Williams has been excellent.

Gill Scott was terrific. Both full-backs. Could go through the

team. That is why it has been such a convincing performance. Everybody

has played well. Won their individual battles, which is what

managers say to do. That is the most blatant shirt pull we have seen all

day from Tenkov. A moment ago she was asking for an England player to

be yellow-carded. She is getting frustrated. Don't know thousand cope

with England's movement. She can play further forward. We thought she

was going to play further up the pitch. A midfield sort of destroyer.

Scored three goals at international level. But she has played deep and

has not looked comfortable at times. None of them have. It will be

Williams. Has it worked? Is this a decoy. I don't think. I think they

just got it wrong slam! The big question is how does the

Serbian manager change things for the game in midweek? That will be

tough. When you have been beaten 7-0, how you get your players up for

the next game and ready and confident. They have got to start

with stopping some of England's key players like Williams and Carney.

Having a go, they have just sat back and allowed England all the space

and all the time. I have not really answered that question, have I?

England could freshen the starting eleven up.

I would be surprised if Ellen White doesn't start in Serbia, because

though Parris and earlier on Daly can play up front, they're different

sort of players. I think they need White for her strength. And her

experience. She helps the younger players. The disgruntled Radojicic

is replaced and on comes Markovic. She had a difficult job to do when

your defence is conceding and she has been asked to do a lone

front-running role. She has not helped herself. On comes Markovic.

She had a spell in England. She played in the west country at

Kensham town. Work to do for Laura Basset. She did

it comfortably in the end. Parris goes for it. All the

substitutes have looked lively. Parris, even after a slip, that is

how confident she is. That is what she dos for Manchester City, gets

the ball and looks to have a shot at goal or beat a player. You spoke of

hunger, that is what England have shown. When they were beating

Belarus and Montenegro, I can't remember them having as many goal

attempts. That is what Mark Sampson wanted to see, more creativity,

drive and determination and ruthlessness and he has seen it all

today. Well done to Mark Sampson and his management team there.

We are into stoppage time, the three minutes. Can England get an eighth?

A bit of a tired pass that one. So a win in the return game on Tuesday

would virtually guarantee England a top two place. And it would

guarantee England a top two place and would they qualify as one of the

best second placed teams? Yes they very probably would. So as long as

they win in Serbia, I think they're in the European Championship finals.

Barring a huge collapse in their final games. Finishing second

wouldn't be good enough. They would need to go to Belgium and get a

result. There is Alex Scott. Will she play in the return game.

Captained Arsenal at Wembley to the Cup Final. A special moment for her

there. Sue, your over all thoughts. An

excellent performance. We wanted a good performance. We wanted goals.

That is what we have got. Serbia have been poor. We have to give

credit to England and how Mark Sampson set them up. All the players

have given everything going forward and defensively. Here they come in

search of an eighth. It nearly came to Parris.

Cankovic can't be an effective No 10 within ten yards of her penalty

area. If they came with damage limitation they had to get hold of

Williams and Carney and they have failed to do so. Poljak, a learning

experience for the teenager. The harsh reality of international

football for some of these Serbian players. Davison cuts it in. Parris

poked it off the keeper's chest. White denied by the keeper. Moore

follows up. And the full-time whistle blows. England denied an

eighth right at the end. But a very satisfactory day for Mark Sampson.

His game plan came off in style with a hat-trick for Karen Carney. The

highlight of the afternoon. Ellen White is back in the side, among the

goals too. Daly on her debut got one. Greenwood started the ball

rolling. Christiansen scoring as well. A really good day for England

and they have stamped their authority on the Group F they go to

Serbia and win, they're surely there at the finals. Well done to England.

A hapless Serbia. A good day for Rachel Daly getting the goal. Big

final score for England. They have beaten Serbia handsomely. England 7,

Serbia 0. So England close the gap on Belgium

at top of Group 7 to one point with a game in hand. England play in

Serbia on Tuesday. By then they should know that a win will

guarantee a place in the finals. Their next home qualifier is against

Estonia in September. We will have live coverage of that match. Before

the group decider between Belgium and England. The bad news is you

both got your prediction wrong. But seven goals. It was a wonderful

performance from England. It was not about how poor Serbia was, but they

imposed their style of play and their formation on Serbia and the

crispness of the passing was wonderful, the final third was

fantastic. We saw some creative flair and we got goals. We should be

able to cross to Joe with player of the match Karen Carney. England

hat-tricks don't come along often. How special was that? Yes I don't

know too much about two of the goals. It is good to get seven at

home. To score a lot and we played well was the main thing and to get

the Lionesses on the map. Was the third the strangest goal you have

scored. Know nothing, I went in with my head and it came off my foot. I

will take any of them as it comes. How excited are you to play Serbia

again in a few days. You're always excited to represent your country

and we have found our rhythm. So we are excited and we need to recover

well. We fly tomorrow. So enjoy family time and be grateful to the

fans that came today and another sell-out crowd and hopefully we will

sell out again. Aw you're the player of the match. Thank you. Not quite

sure how she scored that third one. How impressive was she? She was

fantastic from the first minute. She played in the pocket, wanted to get

on the ball. It was a good penalty. And you know she wanted to take this

game. She yus got in the box and got the goals. She linked up well with

Williams. A really fluid performance. They looked like they

have been playing, the 279 caps, they looked like they played

together before. They looked like a team who knew what each one was

going to do. You see the third goal. She watches that back, she will

think it is a fantastic goal. How well deserve for Ellen White to

score with that strike. You could see how much it meant to her from

the look on her face. She wanted to make an impression coming back into

the squad. It has been so tight with so many forwards in contention.

Ellen White's entire game proves why she should be in the squad. It is a

great finish. You see the touch with the right foot. Fakes it on the left

foot and it is such a fantastic strike. Totally deserved that.

Fantastic finish. Shows how much passion she has to play. We should

be able to hear from Ellen White now. That was a much improved

performance. What was the difference? I think patience, we

have had a great training week and we moved the ball around a lot. It

is about time. We scored a lot of goals for the crowd. We have had a

great week and it is pleasing to see Raich Daly -- Rachel Daly score and

Parris come on. We are delighted and looking forward to the away leg.

Seven goals and five scorers. How pleasing is that? Yes, that is what

we want, we want to be scoring and we are pleased with 7-0 and to have

so many people scoring. We look forward to the next game. Mark, that

was a fantastic result, how pleased were you with the performance? We

were mrezed, it -- pleased, it was important to be clinical. The way

they have been all week is exceptional and they deserved that

performance. You can feel it when they get the preparation right they

can produce that. The goals came from all over the pitch. How happy

are you about that? It is important to score goals. But another clean

sheet as well. And only one save to be made. We were solid and compact.

And the eventfulness was special and Daly came in and scored and Parris

came off the bench. Very pleased for them to join the family. Well done.

How impressive? A resounding victory. Something clicked in

training camp this week which has led to everyone looking like they're

enjoying the game. That is something we have not seen for a while. Over

all? I think people were having fun and that is what you want. In

previous games it has been frustrating in trying to break teams

down. Today they had fun and enjoyed the goals. And a great team aefest

effort -- a great team effort. Yes Mark Sampson has a big pool to

choose from and they're hungry. They wanted to do it with their

team-mates. And Serbia away on Tuesday. Same again. Now for players

to, they have pore formed -- performed there. They will want to

come in and have a performance and show what they can do. Thank you

both of you. England head to Serbia where they will look for a repeat

performance on Tuesday. On the big question - in or out of the European

Championships? It is looking like in! Goodbye slam!