England 1-0 Austria LIVE! Mead goal - Women’s Euro 2022 result, match stream and latest updates today

England Women vs Austria – LIVE!

Beth Mead scored the only goal as England got their Euro 2022 campaign off to a winning start against Austria. The crowd of 68,871 was the largest for a European Championship game and the enthusiasm of the heavily youthful and noisy supporters fired England to a lively start.

Mead grabbed the decisive goal in the 16th minute for the Lionesses - dinking the ball over Austria goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger after being picked out by Fran Kirby. Although Austria defender Carina Wenninger valiantly attempted to clear off the line, with her effort striking the bar and flying away from goal, the ball was ruled to have crossed the line.

It was Mead’s 15th goal in as many games for her country and the Lionesses’ alltime top scorer Ellen White went close to adding a second, ten minutes later, flashing a header from a Lauren Hemp cross just wide. It felt like England could quickly establish a comfortable lead with Georgia Stanway finding space to create and Kirby delivering some clever passes on the left. But the Austrians settled into a compact shape and occasionally threatened on the break while England gradually ran out of their early burst of inspiration.

Sarina Wiegman’s team struggled to create clear-cut chances and lacked sharpness in attack with the Dutch coach making a triple substitution in the 64th minute in an attempt to add some spice. Austria were on the back foot for much of the game but came close to a leveller in the 78th -- England goalkeeper Mary Earps doing 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.

England vs Austria latest news

• GOAL! Beth Mead puts England ahead!

• Match report

• Player ratings

England 1 - 0 Austria

22:28 , Jonathan Gorrie

If England are going to win Euro 2022, they will have to play better than this but a 1-0 win over Austria should go down as job done.

For 75 minutes, the Lionesses were on top through Beth Mead’s goal but always in a game against a plucky Austrian side, who pushed for a party-pooping late equaliser at a packed Old Trafford.

An unpolished and slightly jittery performance is unlikely to strike fear into the likes of Spain, Sweden, Germany and France - the tournament’s other favourites - but Wiegman will know the benefit of peaking in latter stages, as Netherlands side did on the way to glory on home soil in 2017.

Read Dan Kilpatrick’s full match report here!

22:21 , Jonathan Gorrie

Player ratings

22:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

Simon Collings was at Old Trafford to run the rule over the Lionesses…

Read Simon’s ratings here!

22:02 , Jonathan Gorrie

FT: England 1-0 Austria

21:54 , Jonathan Gorrie

England hold off to win their Euro 2022 opener!

Sweet Caroline ringing out across Old Trafford. What a sight.

Into the final few minutes now!

21:51 , Jonathan Gorrie

90:00 - 2 minutes added on. Would be very cruel on England to concede now.

Blow for Austria

21:48 , Jonathan Gorrie

86:00 - Feirersinger straight down the tunnel holding her right shoulder.

A frustrating night for the away side just got worse.

Attendance watch

21:45 , Jonathan Gorrie

Another record!

68,871 inside Old Trafford.

What a turn out.

England survive VAR check

21:43 , Jonathan Gorrie

82:00 - Two Austrian players go down in the box, wanting a penalty amid a scramble to get a shot off.

Nothing given, to the relief of those inside Old Trafford.

What a story

21:41 , Jonathan Gorrie

CHANCE FOR AUSTRIA

21:39 , Jonathan Gorrie

77:00 - Quick-thinking from Earpes keeps England ahead after a deflected cross almost creeps into the far corner!

Bright stuff

21:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

73:00 - While so much has been made about the attacking options available to Wiegman, Mille Bright has been one of England’s standout players.

A defensive rock, her ability to start attacks with her long diagonals is a very useful weapon.

Ella Toone’s impact

21:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

70:00 - Toone has been brilliant since her introduction.

The Austrian midfeid cannot deal with her energy, with gaps opening up all over the place.

Austria penned in

21:28 , Jonathan Gorrie

67:00 - Perhaps unsurprisingly, England’s fresh legs are really pinning Austria back.

Apart from that early Billa chance, the visitors haven’t had a sniff since the break.

Confirmation of the changes

21:24 , Jonathan Gorrie

Wiegman rings the changes

21:23 , Jonathan Gorrie

61:00 - New energy set to come on.

Ella Toone among one of three subs set to come in for their tournament debuts. Exactly that kind of depth in the squad is why England being tipped for success this summer.

Simon Collings from Old Trafford

21:17 , Jonathan Gorrie

England’s bench has always been a big weapon under Wiegman. They’ve so much strength in depth and all three of their warm-up games they scored at least three times after the 60-minute mark. Subs could be key here.

England upping the tempo

21:13 , Jonathan Gorrie

52:00 - Quick ball from Daly to Hemp sees the winger cut inside, only to be brought down.

When England play quickly, Austria really do struggle to deal with them.

Stanway a real joy to watch

21:11 , Jonathan Gorrie

50:00 - A real joy to watch when in this kind of form.

So energetic, Stanway is pulling strings with every touch at the moment. She frees Hemp into space, though the winger’s final ball goes into traffic as Austria drop back into position.

Early chance for Austria

21:09 , Jonathan Gorrie

47:00 - Early warning for England.

Billa almost heads in after running into the far post, though Bright blocks her header.

Back underway!

21:07 , Jonathan Gorrie

Here we go for the second-half!

England have tended to play a lot better in the second-half of late. Can they continue that trend here?

Fara Williams: England are creating chances

21:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

“We’re creating chances,” he told BBC One.

“We just have to find the back of the net. Now the nerves are settled, we might see some more goals in the second half.”

Alex Scott: England weathered the storm

20:58 , Jonathan Gorrie

“They weathered the storm. Austria want to spoil England’s party,” Scott told BBC One.

“England grew in confidence into the game.

“A lot of England’s play has come down the left. Our wingers come in and create problems for defenders.”

From one Arsenal hero to another

20:54 , Jonathan Gorrie

Ian Wright approves...

Beth Mead - A big game player

20:53 , Jonathan Gorrie

Just absolutely relentless.

HT: England 1-0 Austria

20:51 , Jonathan Gorrie

Beth Mead’s brilliant opener the difference so far.

Typical!

20:46 , Jonathan Gorrie

42:00 - As soon as that last blog post went in, Austria come close to scoring!

A cross causes England problems yet again but Bright does well to stop Billa getting contact.

Tactical shift

20:45 , Jonathan Gorrie

41:00 - Hemp and Mead have swapped sides, giving Austira yet more problems.

A good side they may be, but it’s difficult to remember the last time the away side had a meaningful attack.

Dan Kilpatrick from Old Trafford

20:39 , Jonathan Gorrie

Fran Kirby hasn’t always looked her best in an England shirt so it’s encouraging to see her pulling the strings tonight. The Chelsea playaker is popping up in pockets of space in the final third, and giving Austria the runaround.

England’s high pressing is giving Austria all kinds of problems

20:36 , Jonathan Gorrie

32:00 - Where England looked nervy in the opening few minutes, it’s Austria who cannot get out now.

Wiegman’s side are not giving them a second to think and, as you might expect, Old Trafford loves it!

20:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

Mead x White: A joy to watch

20:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

30:00 - It’s wonderfully natural.

As soon as Mead picks up the ball out wide, she’s looking for a clipped ball into White, who is steaming in just off the penalty spot.

It’s well defended by Austria but the quick-fire thinking is thrilling.

Brilliant defending

20:32 , Jonathan Gorrie

28:00 - Austria doing all they can to crowed Earpes whenever they get a corner but Lucy Bronze gets a HUGE header on it to clear England’s lines.

She really is brilliant, isn’t she?

CHANCE FOR ENGLAND!

20:29 , Jonathan Gorrie

25:00 - What. A. Chance.

White gets a free header after brilliant cross from Hemp but puts it wide! England’s record goal scorer should be hitting the back of the net from there.

Simon Collings from Old Trafford

20:26 , Jonathan Gorrie

After the past few months she’s had it is great to see Kirby back out on the pitch. The midfielder has worked so hard to get fit for this and looks sharp tonight.

England going through the gears now

20:26 , Jonathan Gorrie

23:00 - While not a team renowned for their fast starts, England are going through the gears now.

Bronze and Hemp almost combine to grab a second, though Austria do well to keep it out.

20:25 , Jonathan Gorrie

Dan Kilpatrick from Old Trafford

20:22 , Jonathan Gorrie

A super goal to open the tournament. The pass from Kirby and Mead’s first touch and finish were all of the highest quality, underlining England’s ability in the final third.

GOAL! England 1-0 Austria | Beth Mead ‘16

20:20 , Jonathan Gorrie

16:00 - The roof comes off Old Trafford! Beth Mead controls a clever ball from Ellen White on her chest before lifting the ball over Zinsberger. It appeared to hit the bar but England’s opener has been awarded!

Simon Collings from Old Trafford

20:15 , Jonathan Gorrie

England are getting joy out wide so far. The cross-field diagonal ball to Hemp is on every time if Bright can pick her out.

CHANCE FOR ENGLAND

20:15 , Jonathan Gorrie

10:00 - Stunning ball from Bronze across the box but Hemp can’t quite control her header.

Slick stuff from England

20:14 , Jonathan Gorrie

09:00 - Bright finds Hemp with a brilliant ball from deep, though her cross is slightly too heavy for White.

Best spell so far.

Brilliant from Beth Mead

20:11 , Jonathan Gorrie

07:00 - Feiersinger tries to break behind the lines but Beth Mead does well to cover and win England a free-kick.

The hosts are looking somewhat nervy on the ball, however.

Need to settle down.

Dan Kilpatrick from Old Trafford

20:10 , Jonathan Gorrie

Leah Williamson acknowledged that there would be some nerves in the early exchanges -- and she wasn’t wrong. England have made a jittery start defensively and the captain just gifted Sarah Zadrazil possession in a dangerous area on the edge of the box.

End-to-end!

20:09 , Jonathan Gorrie

05:00 - Hemp’s final touch lets her down but England’s pace on the counter is so dangerous.

Prior to that, however, there was some nervy defending from Williamson, who conceded a corner as the Austrians piled on the pressure.

Good goalkeeping

20:06 , Jonathan Gorrie

02:00 - Hemp whips in the resulting free-kick but Zinsberger does well to cut it out before Lucy Bronze can sneak in at the far post.

Lauren Hemp - What a player

20:05 , Jonathan Gorrie

01:00 - Brilliant touch from Daly frees Hemp, who is dragged down just before she builds up a head of steam.

Nervy opening for England

20:04 , Jonathan Gorrie

01:00 - Some pretty sloppy touches at the back almost let Austria in after a strong start from the away side.

KICK-OFF

20:02 , Jonathan Gorrie

We’re underway! Euro 2022 begins!

The teams are out!

19:57 , Jonathan Gorrie

Here come the national anthems.

International tournament. Summer (ish). Ah, how’s it supposed to be!

Business. Time.

19:52 , Jonathan Gorrie

Wiegman: This is now

19:47 , Jonathan Gorrie

When asked by BBC Sport how this England team compare to the Dutch side who won the Euros in 2017 under her watch, Sarina Wiegman said: “I don’t compare. This is now. This is England. It’s a different situation. Five years in between. The development of the game has been incredible. There could be 77,000 people here.”

Harry Kane’s message

19:45 , Jonathan Gorrie

Williamson: The fans are England’s 12th man

19:42 , Jonathan Gorrie

England captain Leah Williamson has called on the nation to get behind the Lionesses, as they bid for European Championship glory on home soil.

The hosts kick-off the tournament against Austria at a sold-out Old Trafford tonight, and Williamson believes home support could hand Sarina Wiegman’s side a big advantage over their rivals.

Williamson says England will feed off big crowds and insists they are relishing having the eyes of the nation on them tonight as they bid to prove their credentials as leading contenders for the trophy.

Asked by Standard Sport if having home support could be an advantage, Williamson said: “One hundred per cent. They are the 12th man.

Read the full story here!

Leah Williamson: A ‘future icon’ bidding to lead England to Euro 2022 glory

19:35 , Jonathan Gorrie

When Sarina Wiegman asked Leah Williamson if she could speak to her one night after dinner in September last year, the Arsenal defender assumed she was in trouble.

Wiegman had just taken over as England head coach and the team were preparing for their first game under her against North Macedonia.

Williamson was not in trouble, far from it. Instead, Wiegman had pulled her aside to offer her the captaincy for a set of World Cup qualifiers in the absence of Steph Houghton.

The 25-year-old has never let go of the armband since, and in April she was handed the role permanently. Tomorrow, she will lead England out at a sold-out Old Trafford against Austria as the Lionesses begin their quest to win this summer’s Women’s Euros.

Read the full story here!

Taking in the surroundings

19:34 , Jonathan Gorrie

Latest odds

19:20 , Jonathan Gorrie

Betfair: England vs Austria specials

England to win and Ellen White to score anytime: Evens

Ellen White & Beth Mead both to score: 11/4

Leah Williamson to Score or Assist: 9/2

Betfair: England vs Austria match odds

England: 1/7

Draw: 13/2

Austria: 18/1

The pre-match thoughts of Simon Collings

19:17 , Jonathan Gorrie

Euro 2022 backed to ‘turbo-charge’ women’s football in England

19:16 , Jonathan Gorrie

This summer’s European Championship on home soil can propel women’s football onto another plane in this country, according to leading figures in the game.

“It will turbo-charge us,” Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, told Standard Sport, ahead of England’s opening game against Austria tomorrow. “These special moments give you a special push.

Read the fully story here!

Confirmed Austria lineup

19:07 , Jonathan Gorrie

A view from inside Old Trafford

18:56 , Jonathan Gorrie

A lowdown on tonight’s opponents

18:51 , Jonathan Gorrie

England beware: Austria, the surprise package of Euro 2017, are determined to spoil the opening-night party at Old Trafford.

International tournaments are always better for the success of the host nation and one can write that either with or without bias as England start their home Women’s Euros campaign; the result is the same.

But if there is to be an opening night upset at a sold-out Old Trafford then perhaps we will all reflect that we should have seen it coming. Fool me once and all that.

You can read Malik Ouzia’s full analysis here!

Confirmed England lineup

18:39 , Jonathan Gorrie

Here it is, the first England lineup of Euro 2022!

England ready for the pressure

18:27 , Jonathan Gorrie

Walking into a packed press conference at Old Trafford on Tuesday, England Women manager Sarina Wiegman couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

All eyes are on the Lionesses as they kick off their Euro 2022 campaign against Austria in front of 75,000 fans in Manchester on Wednesday, but the clear message from the camp is that they are loving the pressure.

Wiegman’s smile on Tuesday as she surveyed the packed media room demonstrated that attitude, as did captain Leah Williamson’s grin when she was asked what it’s like having her face all over billboards, drinks and crisp packets.

“It’s not normal, is it? But it’s good, it means that the visability of us as a team and the women’s game is being recognised - and recognised as it should be,” said Williamson. “It’s strange, but it’s a good thing for the game.”

Read the full story here!

Prediction: England to win

18:15 , Jonathan Gorrie

While England have been criticised for their slow starts of late, the manner in which they regularly rack up those goals will surely scare any opposition.

England to win 3-2.

England team news: Lucy Bronze fit to start

18:00 , Jonathan Gorrie

Lucy Bronze is set to return after missing the final warm-up friendly against Switzerland, giving Wiegman a fully fit squad from which to choose.

Austria, meanwhile, do not have any fresh injury concerns.

How to watch

17:43 , Jonathan Gorrie

TV channel: In the UK, tonight’s game will be broadcast live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

Live stream: The BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website will be providing online streams of the game.

Live blog: You can also follow live coverage with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog, with expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick and Simon Collings at Old Trafford.

Welcome

16:44 , Jonathan Gorrie

Good afternoon and welcome to England’s UEFA Euro 2022 opener against Austria.

One of the favourites for the tournament, Sarina Wiegman’s side have the nation behind them in the biggest women’s football competition of all-time.

Kick-off from Old Trafford is at 8pm BST.