England 1 Mexico 1: Relief for Powell as England struggle in group opener

Fara Williams headed Hope Powell’s side in front midway through the first half, but a mistake by goalkeeper Karen Bardsley gifted Mexico an equaliser before the break as she failed to keep out Monica Ocampo’s long-range effort.

England are ranked 10th in the world, but travelled to Germany full of confidence after notable recent wins, including a victory over top seeds USA in April.

But things did not go to plan in the Group B clash, putting pressure on England ahead of their second game against New Zealand, who opened with a 2-1 loss to Japan.

Powell admitted that, although disappointed, she was relieved to avoid defeat.

“I’m glad we didn’t lose, that’s the main thing,” she said.

“It was a great strike from them which pulled them back into the game. We’re disappointed we didn’t win the game, but we go again for the next one.

“Our players struggled a little bit with the heat, but no excuses, our players can play better and we’ll have to play better if we want to stay in the tournament.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is closing in on his third signing of the summer after Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea arrived for a medical.

Ferguson revealed a few weeks ago the club were in negotiations with the Spanish side but the deal was delayed by the player’s involvement in the European Under-21 championships.

Several fixtures involving Yorkshire clubs during the 2011-12 season were yesterday moved to either new dates or the kick-off brought forward.

Hull City’s home game with Birmingham City has been put back 24 hours to Wednesday, October 19, while Leeds United’s final away game of the season on Saturday, April 21 at Cardiff City will kick-off at 12.30pm.

Leeds’s visit to Burnley on Saturday November 19 has been brought forward to a 12.45pm kick-off after being selected for live transmission by the BBC.

In League Two, Bradford City’s trip to Southend United has been brought forward a day to Friday, December 16, and the return is to be played on Good Friday, April 6, (3pm). Rotherham’s visit to Roots Hall is on Friday, February 10.

The switches follow last week’s announcement that the Steel City derbies have been moved with the game at Sheffield United taking place on Sunday, October 16, with the return at Wednesday put back to Sunday, February 26.