Five talking points from England 1-0 Haiti

England got their Women's World Cup campaign off to a fairly good start by beating tournament debutants Haiti 1-0 at the Brisbane Stadium.

Sarina Wiegman's talented side are one of the favourites to go all the way in Australia and New Zealand after winning the European Championship last summer, but struggled at times up against their energetic first opponents.

Georgia Stanway scored the Lionesses only goal from the penalty spot in the first half of the Group D encounter.

Read on as we pick out five talking points from the match.

Stanway's second chance

Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway looked as if she would continue England's miserable record from the spot at World Cups. 

The 24-year-old's first effort from 12 yards was brilliantly saved by Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus, who threw herself to the right and palmed away the powerful shot.

However, the stopper was adjudged to have been off her line by VAR, which presented Stanway with a second scoring opportunity — which she took to bag her 16th international goal.

Rusty Bright

England captain Millie Bright played her first competitive game since March following knee surgery and she unsurprisingly looked short of fitness.

The Chelsea centre-back made some crucial blocks to deny Haiti on the counter in the first half — but was not her usual commanding self at the back and had to be bailed out by partner Jess Carter on a few occasions. 

With tougher tests to come as the tournament progresses, Wiegman will need her 67-cap leader to shake off the rust as soon as possible.

Earps the hero

England dominated the stats with 71% of the possession and 11 shots on target but still owed their crucial victory to goalkeeper Mary Earps.

The Manchester United star produced a magnificent 81st minute save with her legs to deny Haiti substitute Roseline Eloissaint when she was put through one-on-one.

It was not the only time Earps was called into action either and her unexpected workload may be a source of concern for those in the Lionesses camp.

Russo's statement

Alessia Russo, 24, was given the nod for the lone striker role by Wiegman over 2022-23 Women's Super League Golden Boot winner Rachel Daly and she eventually grew into the game.

The Arsenal forward's hold up play was outstanding throughout, while she further helped out her England teammates by pressing from the front and tracking back. 

Russo was guilty of some missed chances before being replaced by Daly in the 76th minute but was still a livewire in the final third and will likely keep her starting spot for Friday's match against Denmark.

Delightful Dumornay

While Haiti suffered a narrow defeat in Brisbane, striker Melchie Dumornay lit up the match to further enhance her already glowing reputation.

The 19-year-old sensation, who is set to join Lyon this summer, was a constant threat and gave veteran right-back Lucy Bronze a torrid time when she drifted out wide.

In the first half, Dumornay won more duels, completed more take-ons and created more chances than any other player on the pitch.