Cumbrian Georgia Stanway was England’s World Cup heroine as she scored from a twice-taken penalty to give the Lionesses a winning start in the competition.
The 24-year-old Barrow-born Stanway got a second chance from the spot after the Haiti goalkeeper had crept off her line before she shot.
“The first penalty was an unbelievable save but she was a little bit off the line which I was fortunate about. I tried to stick to my process, doing exactly what I usually do and I was excited to see it hit the back of the net,” she said afterwards.
It proved to be the only goal of the game and although England now haven’t scored from open play in any of their last four games, it set them on their way.
Stanway went on to say: “It’s been a long build-up to the opening game and we’re kind of happy to get over the line.
“They caused us problems, were a threat on the counter-attack, were fast and physical and they challenged us in areas we probably didn’t expect.
“Sometimes you can’t compete with pace – you’re born with it or you’re not. I’m not and have to make up for it in different ways but they troubled us in those areas so that’s something we’ll review.”
England have time to review, re-set and prepare accordingly for their next game which is in Sydney on Friday (9.30am) against Denmark.
Their final group game is in Adelaide on Tuesday, August 1 against China.
