• England 2-1 South Africa
• Hosts score two early goals but fail to impress

There were more questions to be asked than answers provided in England’s 2-1 win over South Africa but, to a certain extent, friendlies are when they can afford to be far from their best.

As long as they are ready by 2 July, when Sarina Wiegman’s charges begin their defence of their European title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland, there will be few complaints. However, there is plenty to think about after the Lionesses failed to extend their lead beyond two goals, eventually allowing ­Christinah Kgatlana to expose a defensive fragility that just will not go away, pull one back for the visiting team and apply pressure late on.