WIRRAL'S Jodie Taylor fired a brilliant hat-trick as England’s Lionesses roared to victory over Scotland in Utrecht.
The World Cup bronze medallists made the perfect start to their quest to become European champions for the first time, inflicting a 6-0 defeat on outclassed opponents.
Arsenal striker Taylor played the starring role, with Ellen White, Jordan Nobbs and Toni Duggan also getting in on the scoring act.
Taylor scores her hat-trick against Scotland (Mike Egerton/PA)
Jodie Taylor was on the pitch for less than an hour but produced the performance of the tournament so far, with her clinical hat-trick overwhelming Scotland.
The 31-year-old has had a stop-start career with England but came good this time and will have defences quaking over her movement and sharp finishing.
Jill Scott would have had an early claim on goal of the tournament if her 30-yard strike had dipped just under the bar rather than smacked against it – but the ball came straight back out and Ellen White’s sharp reaction saw her bury the ball into the left corner.
It was England’s third goal and a crushing blow to Scotland.
England had not won an opening match at a major finals since 2005, when they beat Finland at the Etihad Stadium. This time they got it right on the first night.
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