England 1-0 Austria: 'Got the job done'
England’s campaign got off to a winning start, with first half dominance leading to a beautifully lobbed goal from Arsenal’s Beth Mead.
The Lionesses opened the tournament in front of 68,871 fans at Old Trafford, a European Championship record. Manager Sarina Wiegman described the atmosphere “It was incredible. No more words.”.
Even several hours before kick-off, Old Trafford was a buzz of activity, with the fan park opposite full of fans of all ages, not just from England but Austria too. Stalls were selling the ever-present tournament merchandise, from flags to clappers, to the divisive half-and-half scarves, alongside the stream of bars, food venders and musical entertainment, created the perfect summer football party atmosphere.
The game came with pyrotechnics and dancers to display the twelve teams competing in 2022, but all the show just helped to build the atmosphere, the anticipation, ready for England to kick this off.
England didn’t fold under the pressure either, coming out of the blocks firing, dominating possession from the early stages of the game. The home team’s pressure was rewarded when Fran Kirby lifted a beautiful ball in the box for Mead to lob her Arsenal teammate, Manuela Zinsburger in the Austria net. It took a VAR review to confirm the ball did cross the line, but Old Trafford new all along, and Mead had truly started the party.
The host’s continued to be in charge of the game, Austria grew into the game, but couldn’t really test Mary Earps in the England net at any point. In the end, the Lionesses rose to the occasion, held the nerve, and got three points on the board in front of a record crowd.
England will now face Norway, a much tougher test on Monday, but none the less, they put points on the board, in front of a sell-out. Lift off at the Euros.
