Are you not entertained? ‘Vintage England’ deliver under pressure

After a difficult week for the England squad, everyone was hoping for goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, but just half an hour later, someone else was in the spotlight at Wembley.

Aggie Beever-Jones scored her first hat-trick for England against Portugal in the Women’s Nations League against a 6-0 win over Chelsea.

The 21-year-old broke records in 33 minutes.

Just five weeks until Euro 2025, when Beever-Jones and the Lionesses will attempt to defend their European title, gave a stunning performance.

Following Mary Earps’ shock international retirement, the noise had begun to build before the game. Without one of their talismanic leaders, how would they cope? The pressure was too great for Hampton in Chelsea.

They surprisingly handled things very well, and Hampton, who had just been confirmed as number one, hardly needed to flex.

Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley questioned on BBC Radio 5 Live, “Are you not entertained?”

Because I constantly have to change [goalscoring] tally marks, I’m running out of rubber on my eraser.

With such fluidity and great enjoyment, this England team has been playing with, they say it’s been a lot of fun to watch.

Lindsay Johnson, an ex-England defender, described it as a “Friday night funfest,” and Sarina Wiegman, a dugout manager, celebrated more than usual.

This performance eminently cut out the noise and upped the mood because there had been so much discussion outside the pitch recently.

On Thursday, she responded to questions about Earps’ retirement and acknowledged it had been a “hard” week-beginning.

Wiegman was clearly emotional as he reflected on the enjoyable times they had together, but he was unwilling to discuss how grating it might be that the 32-year-old abruptly left.

Fears about their lack of experience were raised after Hampton won just 13 caps before kick-off and the other two goalkeepers in the squad did not.

However, when the dominant team performs so well, things quickly stop being so important.

Hampton managed one more goal thanks to Chloe Kelly while the rest of the second half sat still as her team-mates attempted to add another five to their five first-half goals.

Before the Group A3 tie, Hat-trick hero Beever-Jones said, “… Before the game, she said, “We have a new squad, it’s a new kit,” adding, “It’s a new England.”

However, Bardsley, who was waxing lyrical by the time the fifth goal, which came in only the 33rd minute, sealed a treble for Beever-Jones, claimed that it wasn’t a “new England,” rather a “vintage” “England.”

In the 62nd minute, Kelly added the finishing touch to the England’s second while Beth Mead took to the field and substitute Lucy Bronze added the second.

Bardsley, who made 81 appearances for the Lionesses, said, “This reminds me of vintage England, casting myself back to 2022.” Although Portugal has been a poor country, it is wonderful to see the girls who are so happy there.

As supporters danced and celebrated full-time, clearly encouraged by what they had witnessed, they were not the only ones with smiles on their faces as they did.

Over the past 18 months, England’s form has decreased. After winning a match against world champions Spain at Wembley two months later, they were defeated in Leuven by Belgium, who are currently bottom of the Women’s Nations League group, just seven weeks prior.

The Lionesses, who were under increasing pressure, were boosted by the injury-recovery of key players Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp, and Alex Greenwood, who were all back.

The players wanted to end this week’s lot of noise, Johnson continued.

The press conference had a lot of questions, and they will continue to do so. They simply want to talk about football because they created the entire football-related topic.

Bardsley also praised the matchwinner with the statement that “Aggie Beever-Jones is a baller”.

Wiegman couldn’t help but laugh when asked if the Chelsea forward had improved her chances of being selected for Euro 2025.

The Dutchwoman grinned and said, “I think she did really well.”

She scores goals, according to. She easily and effectively scores goals. She moves so quickly. She played very relaxed and is also extremely ball-tight.

Beever-Jones “firing” in an England shirt, according to team-mate Kelly, and Bardsley described her as a “pesky” forward to play against.

However, it will be difficult to find a starting position.

Alessia Russo, who had a minor calf injury, was watching from the bench, while Lauren James, who had been injured at Chelsea, has already recovered from injury.

Hemp’s debut for England since having knee surgery in November was impressive, while Kelly’s performance off the bench earned her respect.

She “truly announced herself and presented Sarina Wiegman’s case to make sure she is ready to compete at the Euros this summer,” said Beever-Jones’ Bardsley.

Knowing that she’s in Sarina Wiegman’s tool kit, whether it’s on the bench or right away, is so lovely.

Beever-Jones revealed that the team had signed the match ball for her to take home after she celebrated with her family.

She is capable of making an impact regardless of her position at Euros.

“In football, there is never just a straight line.” Beever-Jones told BBC Radio 5 Live, “I had to be patient with this set-up, and it just shows how good the team is.”

“I had the chance, and I’m grateful to everyone who assisted me in getting here. A better day was beyond my wildest expectations.

I wouldn’t want anyone else participating in competition. I can’t stop learning a lot from Alessia Russo and the entire frontline. Hopefully, I can make a contribution where I can.