This was the game England could not afford to lose. Even a draw could have been detrimental, not just to their team’s chances, but to the country’s hopes surrounding this tournament. So, when the final whistle blew, bringing an end to a tight, error-strewn contest, the over-riding emotion was relief. Relief that England had started this party with a win, sending the record crowd of 68,871 into a rendition of Sweet Caroline, and left departing fans dreaming of another summer run to a Final at Wembley.
Though whilst optimism and positivity may now flow freely between now and their next game against Norway in Brighton, the truth remains that England are still providing Sarina Wiegman with more questions than answers. The decision to start with Kirby paid off, as a superb, dinked pass from the ‘10’ got Beth Mead in behind the defence for the opening goal, a delicate lob over Zinsberger that just crept over the line, despite the defence’s desperate attempt to clear via the crossbar.
She could have had two assists when Ellen White forced a turnover late on in the half, but her pass to Hemp was too heavy, and instead of giving her a tap-in, it gave Manu time to close down the shot. White was given the chance to lead the line, and like against Belgium, her usual Midas touch in front of goal deserted her. A flicked header should have found the far corner, rather than missing the far post. A tame header early on was easy catching practice for Manu. Her main highlight in the first half was a sliding block to divert a clearance out for a throw-in. More is needed from England’s record goal scorer. Much more.
With the game drifting at the start of the second half, Sarin made her now traditional ‘change attack’ substitution, bringing on Kelly, Toone and Russo for Mead, Kirby and White. It seemed to provide greater energy both on the pitch and in the stands, as the fresh legs injected pace and direction into England’s play. Sadly, the second half slaughtering that were the norm during the warm-ups did not come. Russo fell over in the box trying to divert a free-kick. Kelly and Hemp had shots from distance rather than taking the ball further on.
As the clock ticked towards 80, the priority became ensuring England didn’t throw the game away. Earps was called into the action as Austria had two pot shots from outside the box. A late penalty appeal for a potential foul and handball in the box were waved away. But ultimately, England escaped with a win, which will hopefully give them greater confidence going into their remaining fixtures in the group.
It probably shouldn’t have come as a surprise that the result ended 1-0, given that is how the contest finished last year at the Stadium of Light. To Austria’s credit, their defensive rigidity and shape frustrated England for large periods. But England did have moments in the final third where their decision making let them down, spurning chances that they need to be converting if they are to progress into this tournament. Norway will be a step up from Austria, and based on this performance, it could be an even greater struggle. The first half-bluntness still needs rectifying, especially if the arrival of the calvary fails to spark the changed required, such as tonight.
To England’s credit, they looked defensively stable, with Millie Bright having a solid game alongside Leah Williamson, now rightly restored at centre-back. If anything, the usually reliable Bronze looked to be England’s weak link at the back, losing the ball and conceding needless throw-ins, and struggling to supply offensive width. Earps was utilised little, but stood up when called upon, making a fine diving save late on to ensure England left Old Trafford with all three points.
The most important thing tonight though was getting the result, rather than the performance. Given the huge hype preceding it, the advertising, the fan parks, the sell-out attendances, a lot of trust has been put into this team to deliver on the pitch as much as everyone else is delivering off it.
You can always count on @BethMead_ 👏
Mead scored the first goal of #WEuro22 and the crowd absolutely loved it. Turn your volume up for this one 🤩
🎥 @SportingHer pic.twitter.com/WDsw0StCUd
— Sporting Her (@SportingHer) July 7, 2022
A defeat would have deflated the party-like atmosphere that resonated throughout the stadium right from the start of the match, and potentially damaged interest from the public. After all, in 2005, everyone switched off the moment England went out, finishing bottom of the group. A long run is integral to help build the sport even further on our shores. Now that they have the opening win, work on the level performance must now begin if the Lionesses are to win to the Euros. England need to peak as the tournament progresses, and as things stand, they have a lot of work to do in order to scale that mountain.
Written by Adam Salter
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