Ellen White scored in injury-time for the Lionesses, bagging the rebound after Lucy Bronze had hit the crossbar with a thunderous strike, to hand Mark Sampson’s side their first win in the 2017 tournament – and their first over the Americans since 2011.
Eight Blues featured in the clash, with Bronze, Steph Houghton, Demi Stokes, Izzy Christiansen, Nikita Parris and Toni Duggan starting for England, while Karen Bardsley (unused) and Jill Scott were named on the bench.
Lloyd captained the World Cup holders.
Stokes did well to thwart the hosts before Parris came close to breaking the deadlock in the first half – only to be denied by on-rushing goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.
Lloyd also tried her luck for the opener but fired high and wide of the mark after the break.
Defending resolutely, England frustrated their opponents and gradually grew in confidence at the other end.
Houghton forced Harris into a low stop with a trademark free-kick and just when the game looked to be heading for a draw, the Lionesses stole victory at the death when White pounced from close range to defeat the World Champions.
Amazing performance from the whole team to beat the world champions in their own back yard! Prep already begun for next game..Yes team 😁⚽️ pic.twitter.com/gvZSRcWS3F
— Toni Duggan (@toniduggan) March 5, 2017
USA XI: Harris, Sauerbrunn, Johnston, Krieger, Dunn (L Williams 63), Mewis (Long 75), Horan (Brian 75), Lavelle, Lloyd (c) (Heath 75), Pugh, Morgan (Press 63).
Subs: Neaher, O’Hara, Short, McDonald, Sonnett, Campbell, Pinto.
England XI: Chamberlain, Stokes, Bronze, Houghton (c), Bassett, F Williams, Nobbs (Moore 90), Christiansen (Bright 90), Carney (J Scott 63), Duggan (White 75), Parris (Taylor 75).
Subs: Bardsley, Earps, Daly, Bonner, R Williams.
SheBelieves Cup fixtures
Germany v England, 7 March
United States v France, 7 March
We’re back
Man City Women kick-off the 2017 campaign with an FA Cup tie at home to Reading (Saturday 18 March) before embarking on their toughest test yet as the Blues face Fortuna Hjorring in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Tickets for this year’s fixtures, including the Spring Series, are now on sale. Visit tickets.mancity.com for more information and to play a part in what hopes to be another incredible season.
