Internationals: Maanum scores four for Norway

Frida Maanum bagged four goals in the space of an hour as Norway progressed to the next round of the UEFA Euro 2025 play-offs. 

Our midfielder kicked off a 9-0 rout over Albania in the 18th minute, stretching to connect with Guro Reiten's cross and volleying home. She had to wait until the second half for her second, rocketing in from close range, before completing her hat-trick with a one-touch strike from the edge of the box. Her fourth and final goal was beautifully curled past the diving Albania keeper. 

Leah Williamson marked her 50th England cap in style, scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 win over South Africa. As Beth Mead fizzed a great delivery into the box from a corner, the Lionesses captain was on hand near the penalty spot to guide the ball into the net. 

Alessia Russo was brought on by Sarina Wiegman after 61 minutes to replace Jessica Naz up front, whilst Williamson and Mead were replaced ten minutes later. Lotte Wubben-Moy was unavailable for the fixture. 

Fresh from her brace on Friday, Katie McCabe scored once again for Ireland in their 3-0 win over Georgia, as they secured their place in the Euro 2025 play-off finals with a 9-0 aggregate win. The Irish captain received the ball just inside the area and struck it cleanly into the bottom corner to cap off the win. They face Wales in the next round. 

Stina Blackstenius bagged another goal for Sweden this week during an 8-0 thrashing of Luxembourg, with Rosa Kafaji also making a substitute appearance. Next up for Sweden in the qualifiers is Serbia. 

Manuela Zinsberger and Austria have also progressed through the opening stages of the Euro 2025 play-offs with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Slovenia. They now face Poland in the next round.

It was a magical night for Kyra Cooney-Cross in Germany as she celebrated her 50th appearance for Australia with her first-ever international goal. Our midfielder levelled the scoreline with a wonder strike from a distance, earning her the Player of the Match trophy. 

Steph Catley, meanwhile, provided a perfect corner delivery for Clare Hunt to head home and secure the win for the Matildas. Like Catley, Caitlin Foord featured for the full 90 minutes. 

Daphne van Domselaar was between the sticks for the Netherlands as they narrowly defeated Denmark 2-1. Barcelona forward Esmee Brugts opened the scoring for the Dutch before former Gunner Danielle van de Donk made it two before the half-hour mark. Kathrine Kuhl was subbed on for Denmark in the second half as they pulled a goal back a few minutes from time. 

Lia Walti captained Switzerland to a 2-1 friendly win over France, thanks to goals from Ramona Bachmann and Naomi Luyet. 

Elsewhere, Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy, with Laia Codina featuring until the 75th minute. Mariona Caldentey was not in the matchday squad. 

In her first-ever U23 camp with England, Michelle Agyemang bagged the all-important goal in a 1-0 win over Portugal. Our striker, who is currently on loan with Brighton & Hove Albion, also received the Player of the Match award for her decisive 86th-minute free-kick. Fellow loanee Teyah Goldie played the full match for England whilst Freya Godfrey made a second-half substitute appearance.