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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Clinton makes senior England debut</li><li>Midfielder scored in Austria demolition</li><li>Thanked Stanway &amp; Toone for their help</li></ul>

Lionesses debutant Grace Clinton credits Georgia Stanway & Ella Toone for helping her deal with Sarina Wiegman 'challenge' after opening international goal account in Austria rout

Clinton started in a midfield three alongside Stanway and Toone, with the latter a last-minute addition to the team <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/sarina-wiegman-reveals-fran-kirby-irritation-chelsea-star-pull-out-lionesses-lineup-update-chloe-kelly-italy-clash/blt762d17c225628321" target="_blank">due to Fran Kirby's injury</a>, and scored <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/team/england/b5hjnvaafo5plphdcoeozkw49" target="_blank">England</a>'s second goal of the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/england-women-player-ratings-austria-alessia-russo-georgia-stanway-grace-clinton-lionesses/bltc6fadfe80b883124" target="_blank">7-2 rout of Austria</a> by ghosting into the box to head in. She operated in a slightly deeper role than she has been used to at WSL club side Tottenham, but Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman challenged her to try being a No.8, ultimately reaping the rewards.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A special night for Grace Clinton! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 <a href="https://t.co/dWeCt5jzUi">pic.twitter.com/dWeCt5jzUi</a>— Lionesses (@Lionesses) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lionesses/status/1761138754075476389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT HAPPENED?

Clinton said: "Going into the game, it was probably the biggest one of my career so far, so for it to go like that, I'm very happy. Sarina told me at the start of the week that she was going to try me in the number eight position. I'm open to a challenge. It's nice to be deeper and get on the ball more."To be in there playing with Stanway and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/player/ella-toone/2a45d0hq84uxfi5t9c65dw7vt" target="_blank">Toone</a> - they really helped me out a lot. It's so competitive. There are so many great players and to be around them is unbelievable experience."Wiegman added to ITV Sport: "I think that's a dream debut for her. She played well and has done really well in training. She was enjoying herself and it was a very good goal. I'm very happy for her."

WHAT CLINTON SAID

Clinton was an unused squad member in the October and December camps but is arguably England's brightest new talent. She made an impact on loan at Bristol City from Manchester United last season, helping the Robins to promotion back into the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/womens-super-league/6vq8j5p3av14nr3iuyi4okhjt" target="_blank">WSL</a>, and has flourished once more after being tested at a higher level during this season's loan with Spurs. The 20-year-old has started every league game, except against her parent club, registering four goals and two assists in that time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Clinton is still to make her debut for parent club <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/team/manchester-united-women/axwnneoekq2f2yq6r1l704y96" target="_blank">Manchester United</a>, loaned out in order to ensure she had more regular playing time this seaosn than if she had stayed put. The next target has to be establishing herself in the United fold, which seems like a no-brainer from the club after she has proven herself consistently in the WSL and now played for England too. Looking further ahead, Clinton also presents another option for Wiegman as the Lionesses look to defend their Euros title in 2025. But in the very immediate short-term, she will want to add to her debut cap when England play Italy in another friendly on Tuesday.

WHAT NEXT FOR CLINTON?

Lionesses debutant Grace Clinton credits Georgia Stanway & Ella Toone for helping her deal with Sarina Wiegman 'challenge' after opening international goal account in Austria rout | Goal.com US

Grace Clinton thanked midfield colleagues Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone after making her senior England debut, playing in a different type of role.

Lionesses debutant Grace Clinton credits Georgia Stanway &amp; Ella Toone for helping her deal with Sarina Wiegman &apos;challenge&apos; after opening international goal account in Austria rout