England kicked off their Women’s World Cup campaign in disappointing fashion, with a slender defeat at the hands of France in Moncton.
The Three Lionesses knew the European outfit would be their toughest opponents of the group stage, and they were unable to prevent Eugenie Le Sommer proving the difference with a scintillating strike just shy of the half hour mark.
Opting for a defensive approach against their opponents, who are ranked third in the world, Mark Sampson’s England side soaked up the pressure, but struggled to break efficiently and cause any kind of counter-attack.
It took over 40 minutes for the Lionesses to gain their first reputable chance on goal, after goalkeeper Karen Bardsley had already been called in to action following a fierce low drive from France’s Gaetane Thiney.
Moments later the Manchester City number one could have been expected to do better as Le Sommer capitalised on a rare mistake from Katie Chapman outside the box and unleashed a swerving effort from 20 yards to bag her her 45th international goal.
However, improvements for England after the break suggested an equaliser could be found.
Jill Scott provided the best effort for her side, but in the end did little to test the goalkeeper, and substitute Fran Kirby almost found herself one-on-one with the keeper late on in the game. But as the clock ticked down, France were able to keep a clean sheet and now remain firm favourites to finish top of the table, with Mexico and Colombia expected to provide minimal threats.
England, on the other hand, are now without a win against the French since 1974.
The game lacked the entertainment factor, and the goals, of Germany’s humiliation of Ivory Coast or Cameroon’s demolition of Ecuador, but Sampson will accept a defeat by a single goal to strong opponents heading into their final two group games. Sampson is likely to draw upon the positives, with captain Steph Houghton – back in the team after a lengthy spell on the sidelines – putting in a resilient performance in defence, alongside Lucy Bronze who at times looked a real threat going forward.
