England Edges Haiti in Nail-Biter to Kick Off Women’s World Cup
England’s Women’s World Cup campaign got off to a scrappy start with a gritty 1-0 win over Haiti. Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty clinched the victory in a fiercely contested Group D opener.
Wiegman Shakes Up Line-Up with Key Changes
Coach Sarina Wiegman made bold calls, bringing in Alessia Russo for added firepower and recalling captain Millie Bright. New starters included Russo, Ella Toone, Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, and Chloe Kelly, fresh faces compared to last year’s Euro-winning XI.
Penalty Drama and Haiti’s Resilience Steal the Show
The match was tight from the off. Stanway’s penalty was initially saved by Haiti’s goalkeeper Kerly Théus, but VAR spotted encroachment, giving Stanway a second chance which she calmly slotted home.
Haiti, ranked 49 spots below England, refused to bow down. They pressed hard in the second half, with Mary Earps pulling off a crucial save to deny Roseline Eloissaint’s one-on-one chance, keeping the Lionesses ahead.
Lionesses Lead Group After Hard-Fought Victory
Despite chances missed, England claimed all three points, topping Group D ahead of Denmark’s clash with China. The Lionesses now set their sights on the tough 13th-ranked Danish side in Friday’s must-win game.
The Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia has already served up drama and skill. England’s Lionesses will look to sharpen their edge as they hunt for glory on football’s biggest stage.
