Women's Euro: Mead's strike gives England victory in tournament opener

Beth Mead's first-half goal gave England a 1-0 win over Austria on Wednesday in the opener of Women's Euro 2022.

Playing in front of a crowd of 68,871 at Old Trafford - a new record for a game in this competition - much-loved England failed to shine but got the job done.

The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Arsenal striker Mead controlled Fran Kirby's smoothed pass and lifted the ball over her club teammate Manuela Zinsberger.

Austrian defender Carina Wenninger appeared to hook the ball over the line and against the crossbar, but goal-line technology allowed her to kick off the host nation.

England spent much of the game in the lead without extending their lead, which nearly haunted them when Mary Earps was called into action to counter Barbara Dunst.

The Lionesses, who are aiming to win their first major tournament, are now unbeaten in 15 matches and are top of Group A ahead of the match between Northern Ireland and Norway on Thursday.