Maltby's eye for goal
A defender leading the scoring charts at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup™. After scoring from the spot in their opening group game against Canada, Rachel Maltby hit a hat-trick in England’s resounding 5-1 victory over Tanzania, stealing the show as the Young Lionesses produced a much more convincing performance than in their opener.
England grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and drew first blood courtesy of Princess Ademiluyi, before Maltby began to run the show. The England defender coolly dispatched the first penalty her side won, before keeping her nerve from 12 yards again just before the interval. Two spot kicks, two immaculate finishes and the game already firmly in England’s hands.
But there was still more to come from Maltby. On the stroke of half-time, the England player added to her tally with a goal from open play, rounding off a memorable evening with a precise left-footed strike. “I feel pretty good, but all the credit must go to my team-mates for winning the two penalties and setting me up for my hat-trick,” Maltby said.
A strong response after disappointment against Canada
The victory over Tanzania was also a significant response to the draw against Canada in the team's opening game. “We’ve definitely stepped it up from our first game. We’ve still got plenty to work on before we take on Brazil, but it’s a good start,” Maltby said.
Brazil are next up for England, with the result potentially having a bearing on the Young Lionesses’ progress in the tournament. “The next game promises to be an enthralling encounter. It’s a massive game for us and we’ll prepare for it as best we can, hoping to come away with the victory.”
A real test of maturity
Lydia Bedford is not at all surprised by Maltby’s form. The England coach highlighted a key quality the defender has shown, both in and around the box.
“Rachel brings a real maturity to her game. It goes without saying that she’s got a real knack for scoring penalties: she’s learned how to take them well and really honed her technique.”
But there is far more behind her ability to really make the difference on the pitch: “She’s the type of player who takes on board everything you tell her and then steps out onto the pitch determined to give her absolute best.”
It is a mindset that is also evident in the experience she has gained at club level. Maltby is now getting regular game time in the Women’s Super League, something which, according to Bedford, reflects the level the young England defender is striving to reach. “The fact that she’s getting regular minutes in the WSL shows just how ambitious she is. I’m proud as punch of what she’s shown so far in these two games.”
“Rachel’s hat-trick was absolutely out of this world! I’m so proud of her. She has total belief in herself. Scoring from 12 yards out is nothing new for her. She works incredibly hard on her penalties in training. It was a fantastic night, we scored a hatful of goals and, with Brazil up next, it’s just what the doctor ordered,” added Princess Ademiluyi, who broke the deadlock, speaking to FIFA.
Could a defender win the Golden Boot?
“It’s amazing to have a defender currently leading the way as our top scorer. She’s definitely capable of going for the Golden Boot at this tournament. I’m really rooting for her,” the coach concluded.
Just two games into the tournament, Maltby has emerged as one of England’s most intriguing stories at Poland 2026. With Brazil on the horizon, the Young Lionesses know they can count on a player capable of turning chances into goals.