<\/p>\n
With the International break over, players are starting to arrive back at Carrington for training ahead of United’s clash with Tottenham at the weekend.<\/p>\n
14 United stars took part for their countries over the last week with mixed results.<\/p>\n
Hinata Miyazawa took part in two international friendlies against Geyse’s Brazil but there was personal heartbreak for her as she picked up what looked to be a nasty injury.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Jayde Riviere was part of Canada’s squad who hosted two international friendlies against Australia, with Canada winning both matches. <\/p>\n
Wales have had a miserable time in the Nations League and they begun these fixtures with another loss.<\/p>\n
Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans and Safia Middleton-Patel were called up by Gemma Grainger but they found themselves relegated as they were thrashed by Iceland. <\/p>\n
There was some hope for the future though as they held group winners Germany to a goalless draw to end their campaign on a positive note.<\/p>\n
France and Spain both progressed to the semi-finals of the Nations League and Melvine Malard and Lucia Garcia were in action.<\/p>\n
Malard assisted the winning goal as France beat Portugal to secure their progression.<\/p>\n
But despite two very entertaining wins for England’s Lionesses, they did not do enough to progress to the semi-finals and their Olympic dreams are now over.<\/p>\n
They faced Netherlands in a must win game but fell behind in the first half 2-0, the second goal was a rare mistake from United keeper, Mary Earps.<\/p>\n
The European champions managed to turn it around in the second half with United’s Ella Toone getting the winning goal to make it 3-2 to England but they really needed one more goal to go ahead of the Netherlands in the table.<\/p>\n
Earps was inconsolable on the pitch as she felt her error had cost the team dearly but they still had a fighting chance of getting to the Olympics.<\/p>\n
On the final day they needed to beat Scotland by three more goals than what Netherlands scored against Belgium – it felt impossible.<\/p>\n
However, at half-time, England were on top of the group as Netherlands were winning 1-0 and England were winning 4-0 thanks to two former Reds – Greenwood and James as well as the returning Beth Mead.<\/p>\n
Both teams were receiving news from the touchline on how the other was doing but Scotland had parked the bus.<\/p>\n
England scored a fifth through Fran Kirby, giving England a cushion, but not long after, Netherlands netted a second.<\/p>\n
As injury time began, Netherlands scored a third against Belgium and as England boss Sarina Wiegman updated her players, Toone assisted Lucy Bronze, who headed in for the final action of the match.<\/p>\n
The team waited anxiously for news that the other game was over but with Netherlands a minute or so behind, Sarina’s home nation must have received word that they needed one more and somehow they got it, breaking English hearts as the final score was 4-0, meaning England’s 6-0 victory was not enough.<\/p>\n
It was a dramatic end to the Nations League, showcasing the highs and lows of football.<\/p>\n
Now, attention switches back to the domestic league as United quickly regroup for a trip to London to take on Spurs.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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