Percival's New Zealand defeat England in pre-World Cup friendly

Ria Percival

 

West Ham United's Ria Percival featured for New Zealand as the side beat England 1-0 at the Amex Stadium in a friendly ahead of the 2019 Women's World Cup. 

The right-back, who holds the record of earning the most New Zealand caps for any of the country's football teams, played the full 90 minutes as the Football Ferns claimed the victory thanks to Sarah Gregorius' finish on 50 minutes. The forward tucked home on 50 minutes after England goalkeeper Carly Telford spilt a shot in the area. 

Despite England's threat, Percival put in an assured and confident performance to help her side keep a clean-sheet and claim the victory.

The win over Phil Neville's Lionesses means the Football Ferns have claimed victories in three of their six matches in 2019 and will head to the World Cup in France in good form. 

Percival and her teammates will play Wales in their final friendly on Tuesday before heading to France, with their first match in Group E against the Netherlands on Tuesday 11 June.

The West Ham defender is set to participate in her fourth World Cup for the Football Ferns.