England have been held to a 1-1 draw by Canada in their opening match at the Arnold Clark Cup.
Millie Bright’s first half blockbuster gave the Lionesses the lead at The Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough but Canada levelled matters in the second half courtesy of a stunning 20-yard effort from Manchester City’s Janine Beckie.
England started brightly in the North East and captain Leah Williamson went close to breaking the deadlock with a venomous effort from range which flew just wide of the target.
Sarina Wiegman’s side were soon to take the lead when visiting keeper Kailen Sheridan failed to get enough distance on a punch and Bright volleyed the loose ball home from the edge of the box.
England then had a chance to extend their lead but both Alessia Russo and Ella Toone saw their shots blocked by committed Canadian defender Kadeisha Buchanan.
Canada came out brighter in the second half and they levelled matters in the 55th minute when Beckie curled a stunning effort into the far top corner of the net from 20 yards out.
Both sides keenly searched for the game’s winning goal but Beth Mead could only shoot straight at Sheridan while England keeper Mary Earps gathered a Nichelle Prince effort at the other end. Georgia Stanway then fired straight at Sheridan before Nikita Parris was denied an injury time penalty as the game ended 1-1.
England now face Spain in Norwich in their second Arnold Clark Cup match on Sunday while Canada take on Germany.
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