Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines - Tommy Fleetwood said that "nothing" can get you ready to play in the Ryder Cup, after starring on his first day in the competition as Europe whitewashed the foursomes to lead the USA 5-3.

The affable Englishman teamed up with Open champion Francesco Molinari on Friday at Le Golf National, and they were the only pairing to deliver two points.

"You can't prepare for it, really," said world No 12 Fleetwood.

"We were walking down 6 and we said, 'sounds a little bit better this afternoon', and the energy that comes off those guys going in front, I don't really know how to describe it.

"All the preparation you do, just nothing gets you ready for this."

Fleetwood and Molinari snatched Europe their first point in the morning fourballs by fighting back to beat Patrick Reed and Tiger Woods, sending the 14-time major champion to defeat on his Ryder Cup return after a six-year absence.

Italian Molinari said he was delighted to be alongside Fleetwood after winning his first-ever full Ryder Cup point in his third appearance at the matchplay showdown.

"Finally. I love him. What can I say? I love him. It's been nice," gushed the 35-year-old, with the pair then thrashing Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth 5 and 4 in the afternoon.