Georgia Stanway opened the scoring – Credit: @Lionesses

Georgia Stanway’s first-half penalty was enough to ensure the Lionesses started their FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign with a slender 1-0 victory over Haiti.  

There were a number of selection dilemmas for Sarina Wiegman before the game, such as who should lead the line – new Arsenal forward Alessia Russo or in-form Rachel Daly. The former started and she came close with five minutes on the clock.

Her rifled effort went straight into the hands of Haiti ‘keeper Kerly Théus after a bright start from the Lionesses.

Ten minutes later, the Lionesses thought they should have been awarded a penalty.

Chloe Kelly was brought down in the box and a VAR check ensued. However, referee Emikar Calderas saw a foul in the build-up from Russo meaning they would have to wait for the opener.

A moment of chaos just before the half-an-hour mark saw the Lionesses eventually open the scoring.

The ball hit the hand of Batcheba Louis in the box and following another VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Bayern Munich’s Georgia Stanway stepped up but her effort was expertly saved. However, the Lionesses had a lifeline as Théus was off her line so the penalty was retaken which Stanway converted.

Even though England were dominating possession, Haiti were a threat in the final third – particularly through Roselord Borgella. On the stroke of half-time, a cross on the right fell to the 30-year-old but she was unable to direct the ball towards goal.

Haiti continued to cause the England defence problems in the second half. Four minutes after the interval, Melchie Daëlle Dumornay cut inside on the left and her shot was saved by Earps.

Despite Haiti having more chances, the Lionesses were a threat as well. On the 70-minute mark, Manchester City winger Kelly saw her shot go wide.

Haiti came close to netting a deserved equaliser when substitute Roseline Éloissaint was denied superbly by the left foot of Earps. However, they were unable to get their goal and England, despite not being at their best, kick-off their campaign with a victory.

Next up for the Lionesses are Denmark on Friday where they will be hoping to take a big step to qualification for the knockout stages.

England: Earps, Bronze, Bright, Carter, Greenwood, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Kelly, Russo (Daly 76’), Hemp (James 61’)

Haiti: Théus, Petit-Frère, Limage (Mathurin 31′), Joseph, Louis, Jeudy, Pierre-Louis, Louis (Joseph 90+3’), Dumornay, Mondésir, Borgella (Éloissaint 78’)