Arsenal's Bukayo Saka scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute after England had created the better chances in the first half.
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham also impressed for The Three Lions, staking a claim ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also kept a clean sheet.
Yet the match ended in disappointment for Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold who limped off with a thigh issue in the closing stages.
With several players unavailable due to their involvement in European competitions with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, the match against Austria provided an opportunity to impress.
England will return to the Riverside on Sunday, June 6 for another friendly match against Romania.
Here’s how Southgate’s men fared against Austria.
. MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - JUNE 02: Harry Kane of England reacts as team mate Jordan Pickford looks on during the international friendly match between England and Austria at Riverside Stadium on June 02, 2021 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford playing for England. Photo: Stu Forster
. Jordan Pickford - 7
A few comfortable saves and a brief scare when he had to keep out Ben Godfrey’s back pass. 7 Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
. Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6
Made a few forays forward in the first half and saw an early shot saved Forced off with an injury in the closing stages. 6 Photo: Haflidi Breidfjord
. Conor Coady - 6
Wasn't overly worked at the back. Will come up against tougher opponents if he keeps his place. 6 Photo: Getty Images
1. Jordan Pickford - 7
A few comfortable saves and a brief scare when he had to keep out Ben Godfrey’s back pass. 7 Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6
Made a few forays forward in the first half and saw an early shot saved Forced off with an injury in the closing stages. 6 Photo: Haflidi Breidfjord
3. Conor Coady - 6
Wasn't overly worked at the back. Will come up against tougher opponents if he keeps his place. 6 Photo: Getty Images
4. Tyrone Mings - 5
Fortunate not to concede a penalty for elbowing Austria forward Sasa Kalajdzic. Subbed in the second half. 5 Photo: NICK POTTS