England 1-0 Austria: Lionesses get off to winning Euro 2022 start

Beth Mead helped England get off to a winning start at Euro 2022 as they beat Austria in front of a record crowd for a European Women’s Championship game at Old Trafford.

There was a roar from the majority of the 68,871 in attendance as Mead turned to them passionately with her arms in the air – though, they were made to wait anxiously as there was a VAR check for a possible offside.

The early goal settled England’s nerves and they quickly began to dominate in Manchester.

Mead, Georgia Stanway and Kirby offered plenty of creativity and movement in the first half and one criticism may have been England’s lack of ruthlessness.

But it was a job well done in the tournament opener and though Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps was called into action to deny Barbara Dunst in the second half, Austria were reduced to few clear-cut chances.

The Lionesses, who are in Group A with Austria, Northern Ireland and Norway, are aiming to win their first major tournament – and have started that bid by extending their unbeaten run to 15 matches.

They face arguably their toughest test of the group stages on Monday when they take on Norway, ranked 11th in the world.

More to follow.