England under-23s secured a 1-0 semi-final victory over the Netherlands at the Murcia Stadium, with Isobel Goodwin's second-half strike and a late save from Khiara Keating sealing progression to the final on 17 April
England’s women under-23s advanced to the final of the WU23 European Competition with a tight 1-0 victory over the Netherlands at the Murcia Stadium. In her first match leading this age group, head coach Lydia Bedford guided the Young Lionesses into the showpiece, a result that was secured by a second-half goal from Isobel Goodwin.
The match report was published on 13 April 2026, and England now prepare to meet either Sweden or Norway in the final on Friday 17 April.
The game contrasted periods of English pressure with the Oranje enjoying more of the ball, but it was England who created the clearer openings and ultimately landed the decisive blow.
Goalkeeper Khiara Keating produced a key late intervention to protect the lead, while Chelsea’s teenage left wing-back Chloe Sarwie was recognised as the Player of the Match for a performance that blended defensive composure with forward verve.
How the game developed
Early exchanges saw England probe for openings without dominating possession; chances rather than control defined the opening 45 minutes. Tottenham’s Lenna Gunning-Williams caused problems down the right and combined with Goodwin to fashion opportunities, and England hit the woodwork on multiple occasions. The Netherlands offered moments of threat — a long-range attempt from Eva Oude Elberink tested Keating — but overall England fashioned the better scoring chances before half-time. The breakthrough arrived almost immediately after the interval when Goodwin rifled a low effort into the bottom corner, registering the match’s only goal in the 46th minute.
Key moments and decisive interventions
England’s persistence paid off just after the restart. Isobel Goodwin‘s strike followed sustained build-up play and a dangerous attacking pattern that had troubled the Dutch rearguard earlier. Following the goal, Chelsea’s Chloe Sarwie made a critical block on the hour to deny a Netherlands attacker and preserve England’s advantage. In the closing stages Khiara Keating produced a strong save to prevent an equaliser, keeping the visitors at bay and ensuring the Young Lionesses would reach the final.
Players, tactics and individual highlights
Bedford selected a starting eleven that blended youth and experience: Khiara Keating in goal; defenders including Anouk Denton, Chloe Sarwie and Ruby Mace; midfielders such as Hannah Silcock, Teyah Goldie and Lenna Gunning-Williams; and a forward line featuring Isobel Goodwin, Eleanor Klinger and Mia Enderby. Chelsea midfielder Lexi Potter started and played 74 minutes before being replaced by Everton’s Laila Harbert, while substitute moves later brought on players including Jessie Gale and Olivia McLoughlin to shore up the result. On the bench, Chelsea loanee goalkeeper Katie Cox was available but unused.
Chelsea contributions and youth impact
Two Chelsea players were notable. Midfielder Lexi Potter contributed in the centre of the park and completed 74 minutes, reflecting her growing first-team exposure this season. Meanwhile, Chloe Sarwie, who has recently started for Chelsea at senior level, stood out at left wing-back and earned the Player of the Match award for her defensive interventions and attacking support. Those performances underline how club development pathways are feeding the national age-group squads.
Match details and squad information
The match saw the lone goal by Isobel Goodwin (46′). England’s starting XI: 1 Khiara Keating (Manchester City), 2 Anouk Denton (Bay FC), 3 Chloe Sarwie (Chelsea), 4 Ruby Mace (Everton), 5 Hannah Silcock (Birmingham City, on loan from Liverpool), 6 Teyah Goldie (London City Lionesses), 7 Lenna Gunning-Williams (Tottenham Hotspur), 8 Lexi Potter (Chelsea), 9 Isobel Goodwin (London City Lionesses), 10 Eleanor Klinger (Stanford University), 11 Mia Enderby (Liverpool). Substitutions included Laila Harbert for Potter, Lexi Lloyd-Smith for Gunning-Williams, Jessie Gale for Goodwin, Olivia McLoughlin for Klinger and Vivienne Lia for Enderby. Several named squad members remained unused on the bench.
Tactical summary
England’s template combined patient build-up and targeted vertical balls down wide, exploiting the pace of wide players and the finishing instinct of Goodwin. Defensively, the side relied on compact lines and timely interventions, exemplified by Sarwie’s block and Keating’s late save. The approach yielded the necessary balance between attacking ambition and defensive solidity to navigate a tight knockout fixture.
Looking ahead
With the win, England move into the final of the WU23 European Competition on Friday 17 April, where they will face either Sweden or Norway. Head coach Lydia Bedford will take encouragement from a winning debut at this level, while the squad now switches focus to recovery, preparation and fine-tuning ahead of the showpiece. The collective performance combined individual quality with effective game management — a platform the Young Lionesses will hope to build on in the final.
