Russia hold England

England hold on for draw despite second-half barrage

Russia 1-1 England

England opened their account in the women's Euro 2001 championships with a promising draw against Russia in Jena, Germany.

Striker Angela Banks gave England the lead on the stroke of half-time and manager Hope Powell's team looked in impressive form.

But Russia came out fighting after the interval and England could only contain their threat until the 67th minute when Alexandra Svetlitskaia equalised.

Russia went on to dominate the second period and showed their strength as England showed signs of tiring in the warm conditions.

But England can take plenty of heart from their performance after entering the tournament as unfancied contenders.

Capitalise

In comparison, Russia arrived as one of only two teams to have qualified with maximum points.

England could have taken a surprise third minute lead but Banks failed to get in a shot from close range.

Russian striker Barbachina was a constant threat but she was also her side's main culprit in front of goal.

Murphy tussles for ball

Barbachina missed several chances and the most glaring of which came towards the end of the first-half.

She sliced her shot into the side-netting with only England goalkeeper Pauline Cope to beat.

England capitalised on the error when Arsenal striker Banks made up for her earlier miss by converting Karen Burke's low cross.

England were under severe pressure from then on and inevitably conceded an equaliser.

Svetlitskaia did well to cushion a long ball forward with a header before expertly scoring with a shot to the far post.

But England showed plenty of steel to hold on and will now face Sweden on Wednesday at the same venue.

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Russia: Petko, Karasseva, Bourakova, Jikhareva, Komarova, Egorova, Grigorieva, Svetlitskaia, Barbachina, Letiouchova, Fomina. Subs: Filippova, Kapitonova, Chmatchkova, Karaseva, Kremleva, Skotnikova, Poustovoitova, Issaeva, Pitchougova.

England: Cope, Murphy, Marley, Chapman, Unitt, Burke, Easton, Proctor, Susan Smith, Banks, Spacey. Subs: Hall, Brown, Kelly Smith, White, Fletcher, Britton, Yankey, Walker, Exley.

Referee: Rita Ruiz Tacoronte (Spain)