France beats England 1-0 at Women's World Cup; forward Eugenie Le Sommer scored in 1st half

England slipped to defeat in their Women's World Cup opener against France as Eugenie Le Sommer's strike proved the difference.

Mark Sampson set his team up to contain a French side ranked third in Fifa's world rankings, three places above England.

But they could not prevent midfielder Le Sommer beating goalkeeper Karen Bardsley at her near post from 20 yards for her 45th international goal.

England improved after the break, with Jill Scott's volley their best effort, but they are likely to be more attacking in their other group games against Mexico and Colombia, who are both ranked below them.

Sampson's approach was perhaps mindful of the last time England faced France in a major tournament. At Euro 2013, the Lionesses were sent home from Sweden after a 3-0 defeat.

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