Goalscorer Grace relishes 'dream' debut as Lionesses thrash Austria

Grace Clinton labelled her senior England debut a "dream" as she scored in the Lionesses' 7-2 thrashing of Austria in an international friendly.

It was a dominant display from Sarina Wiegman's European champions at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Cadiz, with five different players finding the back of the net.

Arsenal stars Alessia Russo and Beth Mead each bagged a brace, while Clinton was joined on the scoresheet by Chelsea defender Jess Carter and Aston Villa's Rachel Daly.

Clinton's place in the starting XI was just reward for her fine performances in the Women's Super League this season with Tottenham, the attacking midfielder scoring four goals in 13 appearances.

The 20-year-old starlet told ITV after the game: "Definitely a dream debut. What dreams are made of, so I'm very happy.

"I did not think that the goal would be with my head but I'm just absolutely buzzing.

"Going into the game it was probably the biggest of my career so far, so for it to go like that I am very happy."

Wiegman opted to deploy Clinton as a No8 against Austria, a slightly deeper role to the one she has excelled in at Spurs.

But the Liverpool native still shone in the position, helping the Lionesses record 66% possession and muster 14 shots on target.

Clinton added: "Sarina told me at the start of the week that she was going to try me in the No8.

"I am open to a challenge, it is nicer to be deeper on the pitch and get on the ball more, that is what I want to do.

"To be in there playing with G [Georgia Stanway] and Tooney [Ella Toone], they really helped me out a lot so it was nice."

Wiegman was also impressed with Clinton's promising debut, the England boss adding: "It is a dream for her, she scored and played well too.

"As I said she did really well in training and has been playing well for Tottenham as well. I think she enjoyed herself, it was a good goal, I am very happy for her."