England boss Sarina Wiegman described the winning start to Euro 2022 as significant, while stressing that her side can perform better after the Lionesses kicked off their home campaign with a 1-0 win over Austria.
Beth Mead’s finish in the 16th minute proved to be the only goal of the tournament to open the curtains at Old Trafford, which saw a match-record crowd of 68,871.
Wiegman said in her press conference after the game: “It’s a good win, and this start is so important. It gives such a boost to the team and the crowd.
“We had some really good moments in the game, we created a lot of chances and we should have scored a little more. But we also had some difficult moments in the game and came through, so I think that’s really good.”
After Mead lifted the ball over her Arsenal team-mate Manuela Zinsberger and it was confirmed by match officials that the ball had crossed the line, England’s failed attempts to increase the lead included Ellen White heading a good chance wide, while Lauren Hemp was denied by a fine save.
After the break, Mary Earps made two saves in the last 15 minutes when the hosts saw the win.