Internationals | Gunning-Williams to face Nilden and Wijk in WU23 European Competition final

Lenna Gunning-Williams will take on Matilda Nilden and Hanna Wijk in the final of Women Under-23 European Competition on Friday.

Having both progressed from the semi-final ties with their respective nations on Monday (13 April), Lenna’s England will now face Matilda and Hanna’s Sweden in Spain to lift silverware in only the competition’s second time running.

Beginning with Lenna, our Academy graduate played her part as the Young Lionesses beat the Netherlands 1-0 at Real Murcia to book their spot in the showpiece event.

Starting on the right-hand side of their forward line, the young forward was influential in the first period, teeing up Isobel Goodwin and Eleanor Klinger for good opportunities while she struck the woodwork herself.

However, just minutes after the break, Lenna played Goodwin through to the right of the box and she fired low into the far corner to break the deadlock – and that proved to be the difference.

Lenna completed 71 minutes before making way for Lexi Lloyd-Smith.

Matilda and Hanna, meanwhile, also started for Sweden as they overcome Norway 1-0 at Pinatar Areana, Spain, to progress to the final of the competition.

It seemed destined that it would remain goalless in normal time but, in the first minute of stoppage time, Mathilde Janzen netted a late, late winner for Sweden.

Matilda Nilden started and completed 61 minutes, while Hanna played the full match.