England vs Austria LIVE: Euro 2022 result, final score and reaction as Beth Mead wins it for Lionesses
Follow all the reaction as the Lionesses begin tournament with win at Old Trafford
Hosts England made a winning start to their Euro 2022 campaign by beating Austria 1-0 in front of a tournament record crowd of 68,871 at Old Trafford.
Beth Mead grabbed the decisive goal in the 16th minute for the Lionesses and although Sarina Wiegman’s team struggled to create clear-cut chances, they will be delighted with the three points.
Austria were on the back foot for much of the game but came close to a leveller in the 78th as England goalkeeper Mary Earps did well to keep out a curling effort from Barbara Dunst.
England’s other Group A rivals, Northern Ireland and Norway will face each other on Thursday in Southampton.
Follow all the reaction from the opening match of Euro 2022 with our live blog below:
England 1-0 Austria
54 mins: It’s been a more aggressive approach from Austria since the restart. They’re pressing England well and not giving the Lionesses time to operate on the ball.
England’s best chances are coming from counter-attacks or when the manage to beat the press through Kirby and Stanway.
England 1-0 Austria
51 mins: England are trying to walk the ball into the net.
Lauren Hemp is given the ball and drives it into the box. Usually she’d cut onto her right foot and her a go but this time attempts to thread the ball to White who is surrouded by defenders.
Austria clear.
England 1-0 Austria
48 mins: It’s been a nervous start from England. Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway get into a bit of a tangle in the middle of the pitch with the visitors coming away with the ball.
It’s sent up to the left side of the box for Katharina Naschenweng who is tracked by Millie Bright. Naschenweng lifts a cross over to Nicole Billa but the forward can’t turn the ball towards goal.
Second half: England 1-0 Austria
Kick off: England restart the match and send an aerial ball down the middle of the midfield. It’s contested and the Austrian’s come away with possession.
England 1-0 Austria
A goal-line technology replay of Beth Mead’s opener.
Half-time: England 1-0 Austria
45+1 mins: England lead at Old Trafford against Austria in the Euro 2022 opener.
Beth Mead needed the help of the goalline technology to ensure that her goal stood but since then the Lionesses have been wasteful in front of goal.
Sarina Wiegman won’t be happy just yet. She’ll want another couple of goals to feel secure in the game.
England 1-0 Austria
45 mins: Save! Ellen White recovers the ball high up the pitch and knocks it into the box for Fran Kirby. Kirby squares it across to Hemp who takes a touch then hits one with her left foot only for Manuela Zinsberger to charge her down and block the ball over the crossbar!
One added minute to play.
England 1-0 Austria
43 mins: Chance! Austria flick the ball over to the right side of the box and chip it into the six yard area where Millie Bright leaps in front of Katherina Naschenweng to nod it away.
It drops for the arriving Verena Hanshaw but she has no time to control the ball and lifts her first time effort over the crossbar.
England 1-0 Austria
40 mins: England are comfortable as they approach half-time. There’s a drop in intensity as England focus on possession play, an attack down the right fails to come off and the ball is deflected out for an Austrian goal kick.
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