England 1-0 Austria: Beth Mead scores only goal as Lionesses kick off Euro 2022 with narrow win

England kicked off their Euro 2022 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Austria at Old Trafford in front of a record crowd for a Women's Euro of 68,871. The Lionesses went into the match firm favourites to win, but it was a nervy start, as possession was given away too easily, and Austria put them under pressure.

Ad/> Nonetheless it was Beth Mead who got the early goal to give England the advantage in the 16th minute. Euro 2022England ‘ready to go’ but ‘not robots’ heading into Wednesday's Euro openerA DAY AGO After that, the Lionesses seemed to smell blood and went on the attack.

However, their quality in the final third didn’t live up to expectations, and chances were squandered, despite some solid efforts by Ellen White, in particular. /> A triple substitution in the second half brought fresh energy as Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo were given a chance to shake things up, but the Lionesses seemed to lack the freer quality of play that has characterised Wiegman’s time as head coach.

Despite the win, other teams watching the match may feel less of a threat as they come up against the host nation. Euro 2022 Fixtures and Results Euro 2022 Standings Euro 2022 Top Scorers TALKING POINT – Do England have what it takes to go all the way? Without a doubt, England were the superior side and deserved the win, but it was not the walk in the park fans might have expected.

On tonight’s showing, England will have to do much more to establish themselves as the favourites they’ve been touted as in pre-tournament hyperbole. /> PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Beth Mead The young trio of substitutions should give England fans reason for hope as the tournament progresses, but Beth Mead must take praise for netting the Lionesses a crucial