Players react to landmark goals after a busy international break

Four of our Women’s first team players were on the scoresheet over the February international break, with two of those netting their first senior international goal.

Grace Clinton was handed her senior debut for England in their friendly against Austria and, within 20 minutes of her first start, she opened her account for the Lionesses as she rose highest to Lauren Hemp’s cross to head home.

After an impressive performance in the opening friendly, the 20-year-old maintained her spot in Sarina Wiegman’s starting eleven just a few days later in the match against Italy.

Following her return to Hotspur Way on Friday (1 March) from international duty, the midfielder reflected on her dream start to her Lionesses career.

Grace said: “I couldn’t really to put it into words after the match, I just felt so many emotions, but it was an amazing feeling and it couldn’t have gone any better.

“I did have a shot which hit the post just before I scored, that one would have looked a little bit better, however, I’m really happy and it was all quite surreal.”

There was a milestone moment for Matilda Vinberg as she netted her first senior goal for Sweden in their 5-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off, securing their spot in the top division of the competition.

The midfielder opened the scoring at the Tele2 Arena as she latched onto Filippa Angeldal’s low free-kick and guided her effort into the bottom corner.

Reflecting on a special moment in her hometown, Stockholm, Matilda said: “It felt so good. I’m so happy to score my first goal for Sweden and, more importantly, in front of our home fans and at a special stadium.

“My first reaction when the ball went into the back of the net was just shock, but also a moment of relief and felt even better that it was in front of my family and friends.”

Känslan när du gör ditt första landslagsmål 🤩

🌟 @VinbergMatilda pic.twitter.com/mjY8kY28Kb

— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) February 28, 2024

Celin Bizet also found the back of the net for Norway in the first-leg of their UEFA Nations League play-off game against Croatia, where the 22-year-old came off the bench and made an instant impact.

After just being on the pitch for 10 minutes, Celin extended Norway’s advantage to three goals as she forced home Guro Reiten’s cross from close-range, before being handed a start in the second-leg as they ran out comfortable 8-0 winners across the two games.

“It was amazing,” Celin said. “It’s always a good feeling scoring for Norway. It was a good camp with the national team and it was brilliant to be involved in, but I’m also glad to be back now.”

Martha Thomas was in stellar form for Scotland in their Pinatar Cup campaign, netting three goals in two games against Philippines and Finland – where she faced fellow teammates Olga Ahtinen and Eveliina Summanen – in the final of the competition, but lost on penalties.

Speaking on a fantastic camp with Scotland, Martha said: “It’s always nice to get on the scoresheet, especially in both games to help the team progress to the final. We almost won the trophy and just lost on penalties but, overall, it was a good experience both collectively and individually.

“There’s always a lot of pride when scoring for Scotland. The family are really proud and it’s always an honour to represent my country on the international stage, so I’m buzzing with the goals and, hopefully, I can build on that.”