Senior international Ross Barkley scored a screamer for Everton as they drew 2-2 at home to Watford in the Premier League, with Tom Cleverley making his debut for the Toffess. John Stones (U21s) and Phil Jagielka were also in action at Goodison Park, as was Brendan Galloway who made his first start for Roberto Martinez’s side.
“We're disappointed not to get the three points,” Barkley told BBC Sport afterwards. “We showed character to twice come from behind. The manager told us at half-time we had to be much better.
“I was disappointed with my goal tally last season. But to get a goal in first game of the season is pleasing. The result is more important though.”
Jamie Vardy was on the scoresheet for Leicester City
Nathan Redmond (U21s) also found the scoresheet in spectacular fashion for Norwich City, but the Premier League new boys began their campaign with a 3-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace.
Jamie Vardy, who made his England debut against Republic of Ireland earlier this summer, nodded Leicester City’s first as they romped to a 4-2 win over Sunderland.
Defending champions Chelsea, who had Gary Cahill in the heart of their defence, were left frustrated as they began their title defence with a 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City.
Brazilian midfielder Oscar had given the Blues the lead with a free-kick on 23 minutes before Andre Ayew stabbed home a deserved equaliser for the visitors.
Swans defender Federico Fernandez then deflected Willian's cross past his own keeper to restore Chelsea's lead before goalie Thibaut Courtois was sent off shortly after half time. Bafetimbi Gomis slotted home the penalty as the Swans, with Jonjo Shelvey in their midfield, deservedly took home a share of the points.
An own goal by England international Kyle Walker ensured Manchester United started the season with a win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Chris Smalling and Harry Kane were both in action at Old Trafford
The full-back poked the ball into his own net after 22 minutes under pressure from Wayne Rooney for the only goal of the game in the afternoon’s early kick off.
Under the watchful eye of Roy Hodgson sat up in the Old Trafford stands, United defender Chris Smalling produced a man of the match display as he helped the Red Devils record a clean sheet.
“It was important that we got off to a good start,” Smalling told BT Sport moments after full time. “We wanted to show the fans that we were up for it. Hopefully it’s the first one of many.”
Fellow Three Lions Luke Shaw and Michael Carrick were included in the Reds’ starting XI, and their club captain Rooney believes it was vital to get their campaign off to a winning start.
“We are still working. This pre-season has been relatively short compared to previous ones, but we have worked hard and all that work went into getting the three points. It was a big victory,” he said.
Despite the result, it will still have been a memorable afternoon for Tottenham youngster Dele Alli. The England U19s international made his top-flight bow from the bench during the second half, his first appearance for the north London club since he joined them from MK Dons in the summer.
Harry Kane was upfront for Spurs as they also included U21s defender Eric Dier in their backline.
Chuba Akpom netted on his debut for Hull City
Down in the Championship, Leeds United duo Lewis Cook (U19s) and Alex Mowatt (U20s) both featured at Elland Road as they fought out a 1-1 draw with Burnley in the lunchtime fixture, with the Clarets lining up with Tom Heaton guarding their goal.
Chuba Akpom (U20s) bagged his first professional goal as he got the second for Hull City on his first appearance since joining on-loan from Arsenal as they defeated Huddersfield 2-0. Fellow Arsenal loanee, Isaac Hayden (U20s), also started for the Tigers.
Demarai Gray (U20s) played the full 90 minutes as Birmingham City began their campaign with a 2-1 home win over Reading, who had Jordan Obita (U20s) within their ranks. Sam Gallagher (U19s), who joined on loan from Southampton, helped MK Dons begin life in the second tier with a emphatic 4-1 win away to Rotherham.
Karlan Ahearne-Grant (U18s) started for Charlton as they struck two without reply against goalkeeper Rob Green and Charlie Austin's QPR, but U21s midfielder Will Hughes saw his afternoon cut short through injury. He was forced off after just half an hour for Derby County during their goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers. Ainsley Maitland-Niles (U18s) also played 82 minutes as made his debut for Ipswich Town. The Arsenal youngster helped the Tractor Boys to a 2-2 draw at Brentford in the first game of his loan spell.
Freddie Woodman made his senior debut for Crawley
Elsewhere in the Football League a number of our Young Lions were in action, with several making debuts after going out on loan during the close season.
And it was a day England U18s striker Adam Armstrong will never forget as he netted the first goals of his professional career down in League One.
The 18-year-old, who joined Coventry City on loan from Newcastle United until January a fortnight ago, notched both goals as the Sky Blues defeated Wigan Athletic 2-0. He opened the scoring on 15 minutes as he met Jim O'Brien's through ball and tucked the ball into the left corner.
As the visiting Latics, who handed a senior debut to Everton loanee Jonjoe Kenny (U18s), pressed for a second-half equaliser the Sky Blues broke and Armstrong met John Fleck's cross from the left with deft touch from five-yards out to double the lead. And he was denied the matchball late on as he struck the post. Bryn Morris (U19s) appeared as a late substitute for Coventry after joining on loan from Middlesbrough.
Goalkeeper Freddie Woodman (U18s) also made his senior debut as he began his loan spell from Newcastle at Crawley Town in League Two, but he and his team-mates had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Oxford. The young shotstopper produced two saves late on to earn his side a point.
Adam Armstrong scored his first professional goals for Coventry
Sheyi Ojo (U18s) appeared as a late sub to help Wolverhampton Wanderers begin their Championship campaign with a 2-1 win at Blackburn Rovers, his first appearance since joining on a season-loan deal from Liverpool. Defensive pair Dominic Iorfa and Kortney Hause also started in defence for Wolves.
Another loanee, Christian Walton (U20s), was in goal for Bury as they drew 1-1 at Doncaster Rovers, whilst U20s pair Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell were unable to help Barnsley as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat at Chesterfield. Daniel Crowley (U17s) was making his senior bow after joining the Tykes on loan from Arsenal.
And Louis Reed’s (U18s) appearance of the bench was unable to inspire Sheffield United as they slumped to a 4-0 defeat at Gillingham.
