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:
Beth Mead goal edges England past Austria as hosts get Euro 2022 off to winning start
An occasion to remember, and a result that goes down in history. As for the performance, well, what’s the usual line about opening games? The only thing that really matters is getting the win, and that’s all the more important in an opening game that mattered more than any other.
This 1-0 victory over Austria at Old Trafford was a day that the women’s game in England had waited so long for, a fact that made any extra nerves in those tortuous last few minutes entirely understandable.
It’s at times like this that people say only one detail really matters but, actually, there were two. With a capacity crowd at Old Trafford of 68,871, it was a new record for the Women’s Euros.
England marked that in the best way possible, with victory.
Beth Mead goal edges England past Austria as hosts get Euro 2022 off to winning start
England 1-0 Austria: Mead dinked the ball home in the first half to give the Lionesses victory at a packed Old Trafford
England defeat Austria in Euro 2022 opener
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.”
England defeat Austria in Euro 2022 opener
A great start for England who will face Norway next Monday before concluding their group stages against Northern Ireland.
England defeat Austria in Euro 2022 opener
England’s matchwinner, Beth Mead.
England defeat Austria in Euro 2022 opener
England’s victory came in front of a record-breaking crowd. 68,000 fans flocked into Old Trafford to watch the game tonight and didn’t stop cheering, singing and chanting all game.
The atmosphere was incredible and hopefully that carries through the rest of the tournament.
England move to the top of Group A.
England defeat Austria in Euro 2022 opener
It got a little nervous towards the end of the game but hopefully England can kick on in their next match against Norway.
Job done for the Lionesses.
Full-time: England 1-0 Austria
90+2 mins: There’s the whistle! It wasn’t the most convincing win that England have ever earned under Sarina Wiegman but they pick up the three points.
Beth Mead’s first half loft is the difference between the sides and the Lionesses get their Euro 2022 campaign off to a winning start.
England 1-0 Austria
90 mins: Two minutes of added time to play. England just need to see out the game now.
England 1-0 Austria
87 mins: Save! Hickelsberger-Fuller receives the ball and cuts inside of Rachel Daly before fizzing a low shot towards the near bottom corner.
Mary Earps dives across and smothers it with both hands. Another good save from England’s goalkeeper.
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