Helen Richardson-Walsh celebrates equalising for the second time for Britain ©Getty Images

Great Britain's Helen Richardson-Walsh struck twice as the hosts drew 2-2 with defending champions Argentina on day one of the women's International Hockey Federation (FIH) Champions Trophy in London.

The Argentinians led 1-0 at the break in Lee Valley thanks to Maria Granatto's seventh minute goal but the home player levelled shortly after the half-hour mark.

A second Argentina goal arrived courtesy of Carla Rebecchi with 47 minutes played but Richardson-Walsh struck again seven minutes later to earn a share of the spoils.

“I'm disappointed with the start we made," said Richardson-Walsh.

"We turned over a lot of possession early on and I think we can be a lot better with the ball.

"Once we grew into the game, I think we looked good.

"We showed a lot of grit and determination to keep coming back, but I think we need to start better and keep the momentum up.

“When the pitch is wet, it plays a little bit slowly.

"They haven't necessarily got a lot of pace at the back, so we felt we could capitalise on both of those to put them under pressure.

Argentina were twice in front in the opening game
Argentina were twice in front in the opening game ©Getty Images

"We moved the ball around well which made it harder to press us.”

Granatto slammed home the opener when the ball fell to her following Maddie Hinch's initial save.

RIchardson-Walsh's first goal came with the first attack of the second half with the captain finishing from a narrow angle.

Rebecchi scored the Argentine second from a penalty corner but the British equalised for a second time following a fine Sam Quek pass.

All six teams will play each other once in a round-robin format with the top two progressing to the final.

The tournament has begun after the men's event concluded with Australian victory yesterday.

In the opening game, United States and Australia also drew 2-2.

Kathryn Slattery put the Australians in front before Jill Witner levelled.

The Americans were behind again thanks to Grace Stewart's goal but Caitlin Van Sickle ensured the match ended all square.

With two draw, The Netherlands are the early leaders after they thrashed New Zealand 6-2.

Maartje Paumen scored four times for the Dutch, with Kelly Jonker bagging a brace.

The Kiwis fought back from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 at one stage, with their goals coming from Charlotte Harrison and Stacey Michelsen.