England, reigning European champion, provided the essential, if not convincing, by beating the Haitian novices (1-0), for its entry into the running in the Women’s World Cup, Saturday in Brisbane. A penalty from Bayern Munich player Georgia Stanway (29th) allowed the Lionesses to take the three points that cleared their way to the round of 16.
In line with “their” Euro 2022 won at home, the English have strong ambitions in Australia, where they hope to exceed the milestone of the semi-finals which was fatal to them in 2015 and 2019. But against Haiti, Sarina Wiegman’s players did not deliver a performance that lived up to their expectations. They lacked the imagination to surprise uninhibited opponents. Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Eaps had to deploy to save the result, on a point blank shot from Roseline Eloissaint (80th), late in the game.
England had made the difference on a penalty withdrawn by Stanway, after a first stop by Kerly Théus, finally canceled by the video arbitration which signaled the illegal positioning of the Haitian on her line. Rarely, a penalty has been whistled in the eight matches played since the start of the competition. In the game, only the new Arsenal striker Alessia Russo proved dangerous, but without success (5th, 58th, 63rd).
Like other selections, the Lionesses must deal with absences of mark, which forced the coach Wiegman to review the eleven type winner of the Euro. Four holders of the final won against Germany (2-1 aet) are missing: captain Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Meads are injured, while Ellen White has retired. But defender Millie Bright, who was injured in March, was able to return to competition as a starter after four months without playing. The European champions will continue against Denmark on Friday in Sydney, with the possibility of validating their ticket for the 8th in the event of victory. The Haitians will face China in Adelaide.
