Beth Mead stars, but two Lionesses fail to live up to the hype

Beth Mead stars, but two Lionesses fail to live up to the hype

Millie Bright

England’s standout defender by a mile. Kept her head on everything Austria sent in the box and looked comfortable even without her usual centre-back, Alex Greenwood. 7

Leah Williamson

Had a shaky start defensively as she gave the ball away cheaply, but grew into the game. Managed the pace well from the back on a big night for her side. 6

Rachel Daly

Looked solid defensively and went through some fine passes as England broke on the counter and paired especially well with Hemp and Kirby. 6

Georgia Stanway

England’s foremost source of creativity in an occasionally understated midfield. Pulled the strings and hooked up well with Daly along the wing. 7

Keira Walsh

Walsh is often the glue in the English midfield. She kept it together when it mattered, but wasn’t the usual creative outlet she can be. 6

Beth Mead

He hit a tricky ball down and kept her cool in front of goal to score the England opener and paired well with Kirby and Hemp. 8

Fran Kirby

Dipped the ball beautifully over a well-pierced Austrian defense to set Mead up in front of her goal. She looked menacing as she slipped into the role of number 10, although Walsh occasionally remained isolated. 7