‘Electric, Beckham-esque’ - England Women player ratings as unplayable Kelly bags brace in Arnold Clark Cup triumph

England Women cruised to a 6-1 win over Belgium Women to win the Arnold Clark Cup at Ashton Gate on Wednesday night.

Sarina Wiegman’s side took a deserved lead after 12 minutes, when Chloe Kelly was on hand to tap home following Lauren James’ fizzed-in cross from the right wing.

England continued on top, and captain Leah Williamson rose to head home Lucy Bronze’s cross minutes before half-time.

Five minutes into the second period, Kelly was perfectly placed yet again to tap home from close range, after Nicky Evrard spilt Ella Toone’s initial effort.

With the match over, England pressed for a fourth and got their wish when Julie Biesmans directed Georgia Stanway’s cross into her own net.

There was time for the Lionesses to add to their opponent’s frustration when Bronze struck again late on before the visitors fired back in stoppage time with a brilliant long-range effort from Elena Dhont.

The game looked to have been petering out, but there was still time for Williamson to notch her second of the night with a neat low finish into Evrard’s goal.

Kelly was electric on the night, the England number seven netted twice and made several mouth-watering crosses, in a performance that ex-England number seven David Beckham would’ve been proud of.

The Lionesses retain the title from last year, where they beat Spain, Canada and Germany to the trophy.

Sarina Wiegman’s side dominated from the first minute until the last, as their remarkable unbeaten run under the Dutch manager stretches to 29 matches.

Player ratings:

Mary Earps – 6

Didn’t have to make a save for the entirety of the match, and had little chance with Belgium’s late strike.

Lucy Bronze – 8

Was solid at right-back and combined well with James in front of her. Put in an outstanding cross for Williamson’s header and netted one of her own late on.

Millie Bright – 6

Another who was untroubled at the back as the Lionesses dominated, could’ve done better when she headed over from close range after a corner.

Leah Williamson – 8

Like her goalkeeper, had little to do in the way of defending, but kept the ball moving. Rose higher than the opposition's defence to head home the Lionesses’ second goal and finished coolly late on.

Alex Greenwood – 7

Crafted some good link-up play with Kelly and got plenty of dangerous crosses into the area.

Keira Walsh – 6

Kept the play going in the middle and gave Belgium’s midfield little time on the ball.

Georgia Stanway – 7

Fizzed an early shot wide which got the Ashton Gate crowd going even more, controlled the tempo in the middle with ease and was reliable in possession.

Ella Toone – 7

Showed neat footwork and creativity at times and had a cute nutmeg early on, played several clever one-twos to move the Belgium defence around.

Lauren James – 7

Went on a direct, powerful run and crossed into the area to tee up the opening goal. Was a constant threat down the right flank with her electric acceleration.

Chloe Kelly – 9

Was brilliant down the left-hand side and put several pinpoint crosses into the area. The winger was perfectly placed to net the Lionesses’ opener on the night and reacted well for her second and their third. Was electric down the wing and put in some David Beckham-esque delivery’s in the iconic England numver seven jersey.

Alessia Russo – 6

Wasn’t involved as much as she’d have liked to be, but was always ready to pounce in the area.

Lauren Hemp (subbed on for James, 46’) – 6

Didn’t get as much of the ball as she’d have liked on the left flank, but affected the game more when switched to the right-hand side.

Jess Carter (subbed on for Greenwood, 63’) – 6

Slotted in well at the back.

Rachel Daly (subbed on for Russo, 72’) – 6

Came on try and stretch England’s lead.

Jess Park (subbed on for Toone, 81’) – N/A

Lotte Wubben-Moy (subbed on for Walsh, 81’) – N/A