Georgia Stanway's first half retaken penalty was enough to get the Lionesses over the line in their first group game against Haiti.
It was nervy start for England in their World Cup campaign as some loose passes led to Haiti looking somewhat dangerous in the opening stages. They were resolute and stuck to their game plan well.
But maybe some nerves just needed to be settled as England grew into the game well, following some early jitters.
The first incident of the game came just before the 20 minute mark as England claimed for a penalty which was not given. It went to VAR and it was deemed that Russo had committed a foul prior to Chloe Kelly being clipped so not spot kick was granted.
However, England were awarded a penalty just a few minutes later following a handball form a corner.
Georgia Stanway stepped up but it was brilliantly saved by the Haitian keeper Theus. Yet, in dramatic fashion, the shot-stopper was off her line before the ball had been kicked so Stanway was given as second opportunity.
And she made no mistake that time around as she tucked it into the far corner to give England the lead.
They then looked to build on their lead with some more decisive and fluid passing in an attempt to open Haiti up.
But the threat was still there for Haiti on the counter attack which England needed to remain aware of.
Alessia Russo glanced a header wide from a Greenwood cross towards the end of the first half but the VAR drama meant their was nine minutes of stoppage time.
Haiti continued to show some promise and had a couple of half chances that were not converted as they searched for an eqauliser.
But the game went into half time with England a goal to the good.
The first chance of the second half fell to Haiti as Earps was forced to parry a well struck shot from talented midfielder Dumornay.
Russo created herself an opportunity after robbing Haiti on the ball in their own third but her shot was saved. She then forced Theus into another save with a half volley as the Lionesses began to press.
Russo continued to probe with a looping header which was tipped over but they also remained stretched in defence, meaning a leveller was also on the cards.
England did then take a hold of the contest as the game entered the closing stages with the majority of possession and in the opposing half.
However, Earps had to pull off a spectacular save with her legs to deny Haiti from making it one goal apiece with just ten minutes left.
Haiti pushed to break England hearts in added time with some late pressure but they failed to find the net.
Ultimately, England survived a nervy affair against an impressive Haiti to get off to a winning start in Brisbane thanks to Stanway's spot kick.
Sarina Wiegman's side can now look ahead to their tie against Denmark on Friday.
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