MANCHESTER -- After the rehearsals came the real deal in front of a sold-out Old Trafford.
For all the preparation, tactical switching and talk of answering the pressure of the situation, this was to-date the definitive test of Sarina Wiegman's tenure leading England as they opened this summer's home European Championships in front of a record crowd for this tournament of 68,871. And thanks to Beth Mead's 16th-minute winner, they passed their first examination with a 1-0 win but will be aware of where they need to improve.
This was far from perfect, but opening matches don't need to be -- they rarely are performances worthy of the champions-elect.