ENGLAND got their Euro 2022 campaign off to a stormer in front of a record-breaking crowd at Old Trafford.
Beth Mead scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Austria.
Mead’s first-half lob went to a VAR call after JUST crossing the line as over 68,000 inside Old Trafford erupted.
- England XI: Earps, Bronze, Daly, Walsh, Bright, Mead, Williamson, White, Stanway, Hemp, Kirby.
- Austria XI: Zinsberger, Hanshaw, Schnaderbeck, Wenninger, Laura Wienroither, Puntigam, Naschenweng, Feiersinger, Zadrazil, Dunst, Billa.
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That’s all from Old Trafford
England get off to a flying start with a 1-0 win over Austria on the opening day of Euro2022.
They now sit at the top of Group A, but things could change tomorrow when Norway take on Northern Ireland.
The Lionesses will be in action again next Monday for the second round of group fixtures – they face Norway at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.
But until then, thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Credit: Getty Record breaker
68,871 people turned out to watch this evening’s game at Old Trafford.
The highest attendance ever recorded at a women’s European Championship!
Super Sarina
England are unbeaten in all 15 matches under Sarina Wiegman, extending the longest unbeaten run in their history.
Over this period they have scored 85 goals while conceding only three in return.
Leah Williamson reacts
When speaking to BBC Sport, the England skipper said:
“What an occasion. We connected with the fans really well. The three points is all I care about, though.
“I kept the emotion at bay and focused on the pitch.
“The communication with each other becomes harder [when the noise is so loud] but I’d take this.
“We were definitely not at our best but we have something to work with for the next game.
“Tournament football is different. We should have scored more but it’s knowing that you grow as the tournament goes on.
“We’re off to a good start and we’ll be ready for the next game.”
Credit: Getty Sarina Wiegman reacts
When speaking to BBC Sport, the England boss said:
“It’s the first game in the tournament and so important to win the game and get a good start.
“We have shown different faces in this game. Some good, some not so good.
“In the second half we were too sloppy on the ball and not good enough in the transition.
“We should have scored a few times but we didn’t put the chances away.
“Don’t underestimate Austria, they are a very strong team. Overall I’m just happy.
“It was a great goal [by Beth Mead] and a great finish. Staying calm was the hard part as the ball bounced and she had to control it.
“I’m not frustrated [that we didn’t score more goals] but we can do better than this.
“We had some huge plays but we have to be a little calmer in the final stage.
“We have to recover and then we will review the match and see Norway and prepare for them.
“The atmosphere was so incredible. It’s what we want.”
Beth Mead reacts
When speaking to BBC Sport, Mead said:
“This is beyond words. What an amazing night. It’s great to start the tournament with a win.
“I was pretty sure the goal went over the line but you always doubt yourself when there’s a delay.”
Credit: EPA Fine margins
Beth Mead’s decisive goal was checked by both VAR and goal line technology.
Credit: BBCSPORT Full Time – England 1-0 Austria
After a nervous start, England gradually grew in confidence before Beth Mead scored the decisive goal to gift them the three points.
They arguably could’ve scored a few more to earn a comfortable lead, but the Lionesses held on until the end.
Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp all gave stand-out performances and all three substitutions made a positive impact when they came on late in the game.
Credit: AFP Full Time – England 1-0 Austria
Incredible scenes at Old Trafford.
‘Sweet Caroline’ rings around a record crowd of almost 70,000 as England celebrate a win on the opening day of a home tournament.
Credit: Reuters
Full Time – England 1-0 Austria
The perfect start for England in the opening game of a home tournament!
Three points. Clean sheet.
Credit: Getty 90+1. England 1-0 Austria
We’re into the two minutes of added time.
89. England 1-0 Austria
68,871 people have turned out to watch this evening’s game at Old Trafford.
The highest attendance ever recorded at a women’s European Championship!
85. England 1-0 Austria
England have a corner.
Hemp sends it short to Toone, who attempts to skip past Feiersinger before crossing the ball into the box, but Zinsberger can claim it.
82. England 1-0 Austria
Austria appeal for a penalty as both Billa and Hickelsberger go to ground in the box, but nothing is given.
78. England 1-0 Austria
With 12 minutes to go… Earps makes her first save of the game.
Dunst attempts a shot from range which heads towards the far post, but the goalkeeper does well to get across and tips the ball away.
76. England 1-0 Austria
Kelly makes an instant impact as she drives all the way down the right before cutting inside to take a shot.
It’s a good effort, but just off-target.
75. England 1-0 Austria
Millie Bright, take a bow!
The defender clears away ANOTHER Austria chance.
What a performance from her this evening!
71. England 1-0 Austria
Another huge chance for England!
Hemp sends a free kick into the box, but a deflection loops the ball upwards.
It falls to the feet of Russo, who is given plenty of space, but she can’t get enough contact!
The perfect chance for the Lionesses to increase their lead!
70. England 1-0 Austria
Hemp travels down the left before crossing the ball into the box, but she overhits it and Austria have a goal kick.
England could really do with another goal now to calm any nerves.
61. England 1-0 Austria
It’s a triple change for England.
Toone, Kelly and Russo all come on to make their first appearance in a major tournament.
They have replaced Kirby, Mead and White.
Ella TooneCredit: Getty 59. England 1-0 Austria
Austria make their first change.
Naschenweng is replaced by Hickelsberger.
58. England 1-0 Austria
Walsh picks out Mead on the right with a brilliant pass.
The winger then crosses the ball into Kirby, but her touch sends it out for a goal kick.
54. England 1-0 Austria
Bronze drives into the box before attempting to cross into a dangerous area, but the ball is deflected behind.
A bit of confusion though as a goal kick is given.
52. England 1-0 Austria
Kirby strikes from distance, but Zinsberger can make the save.
50. England 1-0 Austria
Walsh sends the ball to Hemp on the left, who jogs into the box.
But the final pass towards the six-yard box is cut out.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
