{
  "id": 8143890,
  "title": "We struggled with Falconets’ physicality, says England coach",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/we-struggled-with-falconets-physicality-says-england-coach-8143890",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T01:48:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/we-struggled-with-falconets-physicality-says-england-coach/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "England U-20 women's coach Lydia Bedford blamed her team's 3-0 loss to Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland on the Falconets' direct and physical style of play, according to PUNCH Sports Extra. Nigeria maintained their strong form at the tournament by overcoming the Young Lionesses, securing their spot in the next round of the competition. Tosin Rafiu scored the opening goal for Nigeria, a contender for the Tournament's Best Goal, as she maneuvered through the England defense before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Katie Cox. Nigeria's goalkeeper, Christiana Uzoma, then thwarted Princess Ademiluyi's effort and denied the Young Lionesses again from the penalty spot, stopping Rachel Maltby's shot and sending it off the bar. Falconets claimed a 3-0 victory over England, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals. Abiodun, a sports reporter, covers various aspects of Nigerian football, including the national teams and cricket.",
  "summary": "England U-20 coach Lydia Bedford says her side struggled with the Falconets’ physicality in their 3-0 defeat at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Read More: https://punchng.com/we-struggled-with-falconets-physicality-says-england-coach/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "We struggled with Falconets’ physicality, says England coach",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/we-struggled-with-falconets-physicality-says-england-coach",
        "published": "2026-09-18T01:40:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}