England 1-1 Canada: Lionesses held to draw in opening game of Arnold Clark Cup

Arsenal's Beth Mead came on as a substitute in the second half

England were held to a draw by Olympic champions Canada in their opening match of the Arnold Clark Cup.

It was the first time England played a side ranked in the world's top 10 under manager Sarina Wiegman and took a first-half lead through defender Millie Bright's excellent volley.

That capped off an impressive opening 45 minutes in which England created numerous chances and were rarely tested by Canada.

But Manchester City forward Janine Beckie curled a shot into the top left corner after the break to equalise for Canada, who were much more of a threat in the second period.

England continued to create - Nikita Parris, Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead all had chances - but the game became far more open with neither side able to take control.

The Lionesses remain unbeaten in seven games under Wiegman. This was their toughest test so far, albeit against a Canada side who had several of their players in pre-season training ahead of their domestic campaign.

England face Spain and Germany, who also drew 1-1 in their meeting, on Sunday and Wednesday respectively.

England show promise but lack ruthlessness

Against a side ranked sixth in the world, England showed plenty of encouragement in the first half.

Hemp was a threat from the first minute, linking up well with Manchester City team-mate Demi Stokes, while Fran Kirby made numerous runs in behind.

Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh were lively and creative in a new-look midfield duo and England were unfortunate not to be further ahead at the break.

They had a real intent and identity to their attacking play but lacked control in the second half as Canada pushed forward and showed greater ambition.

The visitors were able to get in behind on several occasions, with Bright making some key blocks inside the box, but England still had opportunities.

Substitute Parris had a shot blocked from close range after Hemp had raced in behind, only for her strike to be parried away by goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

Arsenal striker Parris also had a late penalty appeal rejected when she went down in the box in stoppage time.

Wiegman said England must use this tournament as an opportunity to learn ahead of the home European Championship in the summer and they were certainly tested more out of possession in the second half.

There are still tougher tests to come too against Spain - considered one of the favourites to win the Euros - and Germany, who England face in Wolverhampton next week.

All-in-all, the hosts showed glimpses of what they can offer under Wiegman, but essentially lacked the ruthlessness needed to claim victory at the Riverside Stadium.

'It is a great lesson and we need this'

England manager Sarina Wiegman: "I think we played a very good first half. We dominated and created chances but unfortunately only scored one.

"We were a little sloppy at some points, we tried to be tighter in the second half but we had more trouble doing it. It got more of a transition game and it was hard to control the game.

"This was a game that we wanted. Now you saw them under the highest pressures in possession and out of it.

"It is a great lesson and we need this lesson. It is a totally different game to ones we've had. We will get games like this at the Euros so we need them to learn from. It gives us so much information and things to discuss."

England defender Millie Bright: "It was an exciting game. It shows the progress we have made as a team. It's great to get some different players on the pitch. We're happy with the point.

"Collectively as a group it's a new slate and a fresh journey. Everyone is bringing their club form into camp and playing their best. When players are comfortable and happy, that's when you see their good performances."

Canada head coach Bev Priestman: "In the first half we weren't ourselves. We made adjustments in the second half and it was a much better account of ourselves.

"I'm incredibly proud of the performance and this team gave everything as they always do. We were on the ropes at times and we had chances at times so I think it was a fair reflection.

"England look more like the England I know - they are on their journey towards the Euros. They look way more ready than we have seen the last two times we played them. You would expect that group to do really well at a Euros on home soil - they were great tonight."

Line-ups

England

Formation 4-3-3

1Earps

2Daly6Bright5Greenwood3Stokes

8Williamson10Toone4Walsh

7Kirby22Russo11Hemp

1Earps2DalySubstituted forBronzeat 65'minutes6Bright5GreenwoodSubstituted forCarterat 65'minutes3Stokes8WilliamsonSubstituted forParrisat 65'minutes10TooneSubstituted forStanwayat 45'minutes4Walsh7Kirby22RussoSubstituted forWhiteat 75'minutes11HempSubstituted forMeadat 66'minutes

Substitutes

9White12Bronze13Hampton14Stanway15Carter16Mead17Parris18Nobbs19Charles20Scott21Roebuck23Zelem

Canada

Formation 4-3-3

18Sheridan

8Riviere3Buchanan24Gilles10Lawrence

17Fleming7Grosso11Scott

16Beckie6Rose9Huitema

18Sheridan8RiviereSubstituted forLacasseat 66'minutes3BuchananBooked at 85mins24Gilles10LawrenceBooked at 48mins17Fleming7GrossoSubstituted forPrinceat 59'minutes11Scott16Beckie6RoseSubstituted forPickettat 80'minutes9HuitemaSubstituted forQuinnat 59'minutes