YORK-born Lucy Staniforth was among the England team hailed for a "sensational performance" after they beat Japan 3-0 to lift the SheBelieves Cup.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder started last night's game in Florida and netted the opening goal to set up the trophy tilt, Karen Carney and Beth Mead sealing the deal with further first-half goals.

The SheBelieves Cup, part of England's preparations for this year's World Cup in France, is an invitational four-team round-robin tournament which also included international big-guns Brazil and USA.

"It was a sensational performance," England manager Phil Neville told BBC Sport.

"I wasn't that bothered before the tournament whether we won or lost, I just wanted to see an improvement and we go home knowing we are definitely in the right direction.

"We just keep listening to USA, Japan and Brazil talk about how good we are. But we remain humble, have fun and enjoy moments like this.

"You don't get many chances to get your hands on a trophy. It is my first as a manager so I am just going to enjoy it."

Staniforth - who began her football with Copmanthorpe Juniors and now plays for Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League - had been a late substitute in England's 2-1 comeback win over Brazil and remained on the bench for the 2-2 draw with the USA.

The former York College starlet scored on her full England debut last September, in the 6-0 win in Kazakhstan that concluded their unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign. Last night's game was her seventh cap.

Harrogate-born Rachel Daly, another former York College student who now plays in America with Houston Dash, was a non-playing substitute last night but had come off the bench against Brazil and played the full 90 minutes against the USA.