The Women's World Cup kicked off on Thursday in Australia and today marks England Women's first match.
The buzz around this year's tournament is unprecedented - following their Euros win last year, the Lionesses have changed the face of the game and women's football as we know it. That said, pressure is mounting for the month-long tournament with the Lionesses' first game kicking off right now.
32 teams will take to the international stage and the England team will be tackling some of the best women's football teams in the world in a bid to mirror the success of last year, where they won a trophy for England for the first time in 56 years.
To keep you up to date, we'll be continuing coverage of our Lionesses live during the game and throughout the tournament, exploring their successes, performances, and rapid rise to stardom.
Stay tuned this morning for a live blog of their first match of the group stages against Haiti.
While you're here, don't miss our Women in Sport special, featuring interviews with Captain and Vice Captain Millie Bright and Mary Earps, a history of women's football, and a rundown of the current England Women's team, too.
Shop our favourite World Cup kit now:
- England 2023 Home shirt (£79.95, Nike) - Support your home side with the official Nike England shirt, a white and blue colourway designed to mirror the England '84 kit.
- adidas Three Stripe shorts (£30, adidas) - These comfortable yet stylish adidas shorts are made from soft fleece, perfect for holidays, lazy summer days at the park, or watching your favourite footballers in.
- adidas Spezial shoes (£90, adidas) - Fun fact: the original Spezial shoes were first designed in 1979 for elite handball players. They've had a resurgence in the last year for football and fashion fans alike, and are a firm favourite of Team MC's.
Excitement for the match this morning is mounting.
Wiegman has now announced the starting team for today's match and the team will include:
- Mary Earps
- Lucy Bronze
- Millie Bright
- Jess Carter
- Alex Greenwood
- Georgia Stanway
- Keira Walsh
- Chloe Kelly
- Ella Toone
- Lauren Hemp
- Alessia Russo.
Millie Bright will Captain the side as they take on Haiti, who are currently ranked 53rd in the world. England rank 4th.
Your #Lionesses for our first game of the tournament! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/npKM72s0sDJuly 22, 2023
With less than five minutes to go until kick-off, the Lionesses have done their final lap of the stadium.
They're playing at Brisbane Stadium which has a capacity of 52,500.
The match is being streamed live on ITV now with Seb Hutchinson and current Chelsea Women's manager Emma Hayes providing the commentary.
The national anthems have been sung and England have kicked off.
Emma Hayes reckons this team have lacked "rhythm and momentum" previously, but have "great depth."
The first attack of the game comes from Haiti after Millie Bright gave the ball away early doors.
Commentator Seb Hutchinson reflects that they won't want many more "early scares."
England now appear to be getting in their groove, with their first effort on goal from Chloe Kelly.
While the score remains England 0-0 Haiti, the team are growing in confidence as the game continues.
A deep cross from Chloe Kelly is nodded back across the face of the goal towards Alessia Russo, who can't get hold of it in time to secure a goal.
A possible penalty is being explored. VAR is being checked - pitchside monitors are being used for the first time in a tournament.
The referee has decided that no penalty will be given. The game continues.
A penalty has been awarded to England for a hand ball, their first of the tournament.
Georgia Stanway is taking the penalty. Tensions are high.
The penalty was saved, but will be retaken as the goalkeeper was off her line before Stanway had kicked the ball.
Georgia Stanway has scored on the second attempt, netting it in the bottom left of the net.
England are now 1-0 up against Haiti 29 minutes into their first match. A lovely penalty.
While a corner to Haiti puts pressure on England, it narrowly misses the goal.
They have just a minute to go (plus added time) until half time.
The referee awarded nine minutes of extra time for the first half, to account for the VAR stoppages.
HALF-TIME: England 1-0 Haiti - 45+9 minutes
First half analysis: An end-to-end first half saw chances for both sides but England scoop the lead thanks to a goal from Georgia Stanway after a nail-biting penalty retake.
England had 72% possession and five shots on target, but Haiti have taken more opportunities than expected.
Shortly before the players took half-time, Stanway became the first England player of the tournament to receive a yellow card.
Slotted by @StanwayGeorgia at the second time of asking 🤩 Our #Lionesses' first goal of the #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/R85EZFR0LlJuly 22, 2023
The second half is underway. Wiegman has made the decision to switch the sides the wingers, Chloe Kelly and Lauren Hemp, are playing on.
Kelly has an early chance at a goal but it is saved.
England are applying the pressure this half. A ball in to Alessia Russio allows her to turn and hit it on the half volley.
The keeper makes a save at her near post. The score remains 1-0 to England.
Lauren Hemp is subbed off for Lauren James.
A cross-in is headed towards goals by Alessia Russo, but the goalkeeper tips it over the bar.
From the resulting corner, Lucy Bronze heads towards goal, yet in the scramble, Millie Bright misses the goal by firing it over the bar.
Alessia Russo is being subbed off for Rachel Daly, bringing fresh energy for the last 15 minutes of the game.
Wiegman often does this near the end of a match, utilising her "super subs" for the final attack.
Mary Earps does what she does best, effortlessly defending an on-target shot from Haiti.
Getting down quickly, she denies the team a leveller.
There will be four added minutes of extra time.
England remain 1-0 up against Haiti.
FULL-TIME: England 1-0 Haiti - 90+4 minutes
Full time analysis: England had to put up more of a fight against Haiti than expected, with both sides putting on the pressure.
In an odd turn of events, the final whistle was blown fifteen seconds too early, causing confusion amongst the players.
