England 1-0 Austria: Ellen White scores winner on 100th appearance
- Published
Highlights: England 1-0 Austria
Ellen White scored on her 100th appearance to maintain England's winning run in Women's World Cup qualifying with a narrow victory over Austria at the Stadium of Light.
White, who is just one goal off equalling the all-time Lionesses goalscoring record, pounced on a rebound a few yards out to make it 1-0.
Beth Mead and Fran Kirby also went close in freezing conditions.
England have won all five of their qualifying matches without conceding.
Manager Sarina Wiegman expected this to be England's toughest test in qualifying to date, and so it proved with Austria keeping them at bay for almost 40 minutes.
The conditions in Sunderland were also a factor - severe weather warnings prior to kick-off meant supporters were advised not to travel and there were flurries of hail for spells in the second half.
But White, who was presented with a commemorative shirt before kick-off to acknowledge her landmark cap, eventually provided the goalscoring instinct England needed, after Kirby's strike was deflected into her path.
That capped off a dominant first half from England, who controlled possession and began to open up spaces as the break drew nearer.
Kirby and Mead combined well down the right on several occasions but could not capitalise, while Lauren Hemp came close to picking out White in the middle a few times.
The visitors were well organised however, making it difficult for England to break them down, but Wiegman's side were patient and eventually got their reward.
Austria threatened early in the second half, forcing two saves in quick succession from goalkeeper Mary Earps, but otherwise England remained on top and should have extended their lead.
The Lionesses travel to Doncaster on Tuesday for their next qualifier, taking on Latvia, who they thrashed 10-0 last month.
White closes in on record
Ellen White was presented with a commemorative shirt to mark her 100th appearance for England
Kelly Smith's record of 46 goals for the Lionesses is being hunted by White and she had chances in the second half to at least equal it.
She did not match Smith's record in Sunderland but it was fitting that on her 100th appearance it was the ever-reliant striker and the Lionesses' top scorer at the 2019 World Cup who provided the one goal her side managed.
"It's just an incredible achievement. If you've had 100 caps you have been so consistent," said Wiegman afterwards.
"I've learnt to know [White] as a real professional and a team player. She wants to become better every day and that's really special."
White added: "I'm incredibly proud. I feel super lucky to be a part of this team and be surrounded by talented players and to get the win which was our main goal."
She was applauded before kick-off by fans, team-mates and the media as Baroness Campbell presented her with a special "100" shirt.
"Ellen is an amazing player. I've been lucky to play a lot of games alongside her," said Kirby. "She has worked incredibly hard and always puts 110% in training and games. You want someone who will run to death for you and she does that."
Mead jumped into White's arms in celebration after she scored and it was a big day for the Arsenal forward too, playing in front of home fans in the north east - an area where she grew up and began her career - and every time she touched the ball there was an eagerness from the stands.
Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who captained England for the first time under Wiegman, kept a clean sheet and her homecoming will be in Doncaster on Tuesday.
In all, it was another successful 90 minutes for England, who have now scored 33 goals without reply in qualifying.
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