England narrowly beaten by France in Women's World Cup opener

Eugenie Le Sommer’s first-half strike condemned England to a disappointing 1-0 defeat to France in their Women’s World Cup opener in Moncton.

The game lacked fluency in the opening stages with England frustrating the French and not allowing the third best team in women’s football time to settle.

But as the half wore on France began to adapt by the unusual 4-1-4-1 formation employed by England head coach Mark Sampson.

Fara Williams was tasked with sitting in front of the defence but her foul on Eugenie Le Sommer allowed Louisa Necib to fire the first meaningful effort at goal which was saved well by Karen Bardsley.

Le Sommer than flashed a shot wide via a deflection from Williams before Gaetene Thiney’s long-range effort was comfortably held by Bardsley.

But England’s shot stopper could do nothing about France’s opener on 29 minutes. A defensive mix-up between Laura Bassett and Katie Chapman allowed Le Sommer to steal in and unleash an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area which flew past Bardsley into the left corner.

England’s best chance of the half came five minutes shy of the break when Sarah Bouhaddi misjudged an Alex Scott cross but Chapman’s attempted lob drifted wide of the France goal.

England were lucky to avoid conceding a penalty just before half-time when the referee appeared to miss Rafferty’s late challenge on Laetitia Houara in the box after the ball had gone.

And straight after the restart Le Sommer had another shot from range, but this time Bardsley was right behind it. Laure Boulleau squared for Le Sommer 10 minutes later but the Lyon midfielder’s improvised effort flew over the bar.

Jill Scott had a shot on target at the other end following a corner but the shot lacked power and was gathered comfortably by Bouhaddi.

Toni Duggan replaced Ellen White on the hour mark and England reverted to a more familiar 4-4-2 diamond formation, before Fran Kirby’s introduction saw England change to a 4-3-3.

But England struggled to find their rhythm with Necib and Le Sommer continuing to influence proceedings before the latter was replaced by Elise Bussaglia with 10 minutes remaining.

Bussaglia almost had an instant impact with an ambitious effort that had the power but lacked the direction to trouble Bardsley.

England had more of an edge with the introduction of the substitutes but they were unable to trouble the French defence in the time remaining and must now focus on Saturday’s game against Mexico.