While enduring managerial controversy, England Women enjoyed a successful 2017, lighting up the European Championships and World Cup qualifiers with standout performances and goals.

The Lionesses reached the semi-final of the European Championships in the Netherlands, and have enjoyed a 100% record in the World Cup qualifiers in 2017 too – scoring some outstanding efforts during this period.

England were unconvincing in the SheBelieves Cup earlier in the year, but more than made up for such disappointment with their performances in the Euros months later.

Jodie Taylor won the Golden Boot for her form in the tournament, and she was joined by then-Arsenal teammate Jordan Nobbs and Steph Houghton for some memorable strikes of 2017.

Houghton’s goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina in November came from a drilled free-kick, brilliantly steered into the side-netting. She came in fifth.

rachel yankey
HIGH WYCOMBE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 16: Steph Houghton of Manchester City Women tackles Rachel Yankey of Arsenal Ladies during the FA WSL Continental Cup Final between Arsenal Ladies and Manchester City Ladies at Adams Park on October 16, 2014 in High Wycombe, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Ellen White’s effort against Denmark in July was voted fourth. The striker latched onto a cross from the left flank, volleying a curled effort into the back of the net at the near post.

Nobbs’ goal against Switzerland a month earlier was a trademark strike from distance, leaving the goalkeeper stranded as the ball looped in. That was third.

Lucy Bronze’s instinctive volley inside the area came in second on the list. Her top corner goal was against Russia in September.

And unsurprisingly, Taylor’s effort against Italy in April was voted the best England goal of 2017. The ex-Arsenal striker latched onto a through ball over the top, and lofted an effort over the goalkeeper with her first touch.