Beth Mead scored the only goal of the game as England started off the European Championships with a win on home turf against Austria.
Action: England looked nervy for the first few in front of a Euro-record 68,000 fans at Old Trafford but soon settled and grew into the game.
Sarina Wiegman’s team took the lead after just 16 minutes. Fran Kirby’s ball found Beth Mead ghosting into the box. The Arsenal forward looped the ball over her club teammate Manuela Zinsberger.
The Lionesses looked dangerous whenever they got the ball out wide, Ella White headed just wide from a Lauren Hemp cross halfway through the half.
England had the chance to double their advantage just before the break. The hard-working White stole the ball just outside of the opposition box, feeding in Fran Kirby who laid it off to Hemp. The ball wasn’t easy for Hemp to control giving Zinsberger time to close the gap and make a vital block.
The second half wasn’t as exciting as the first, with England having the majority of the possession but struggling to break down a stubborn Austrian defence.
Wiegman reacted with a triple change: bringing on the attacking trio from Manchester clubs: Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly with White, Mead, and Kirby making way.
While the three changes didn’t help England extend their lead they equally didn’t look likely to lose it. Das Team worked hard to deal with the English threat but did little in the rare occasions that they went forward.
Overall, it wasn’t the most exciting opening to Euro 2022 for England but at the same time they were never under pressure and kick off the tournament with three points.
Player of the Match: Keira Walsh's metronomic performance and pinpoint passing allowed in England to stay in full control.
YESSSS 🙌
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 6, 2022
A winning start at #WEURO2022 for the #Lionesses! pic.twitter.com/dKnPNw8DwI
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Beth Mead 16' |
