![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/2.43419172.jpg\")
England made a winning start to their Women\u2019s World Cup campaign as they saw off debutants Scotland 2-1 in Nice.<\/p>\nEngland made a winning start to their Women\u2019s World Cup campaign as they saw off debutants Scotland 2-1 in Nice.<\/p>\n
In front of a crowd of 13,188 at the Allianz Riviera, Nikita Parris put the Lionesses ahead with a 14th-minute penalty awarded for handball via VAR and Ellen White\u2019s curled finish made it 2-0 in the 40th minute.<\/p>\n
Having looked very much in control, Phil Neville\u2019s team, who were denied by some fine Lee Alexander saves and had two efforts chalked off for offside, then endured a nervy finale after Claire Emslie pulled a goal back with 11 minutes remaining.<\/p>\n
While Scotland could not save themselves from defeat, they will take heart from their efforts in their first Women\u2019s World Cup finals appearance, two years after being thrashed 6-0 by England in the last meeting, at Euro 2017.<\/p>\n
The teams next play on Friday when Shelley Kerr\u2019s Scotland face Japan in Rennes before England take on Argentina in Le Havre.<\/p>\n
With Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon among those watching from the stands, Kerr\u2019s side made a fairly bright start to the contest, with Caroline Weir having an early shot blocked, before they fell behind just prior to the quarter-hour mark as England benefited from VAR.<\/p>\n
Fran Kirby\u2019s cross struck Nicola Docherty on the arm and, after Czech referee Jana Adamkova watched footage back and pointed to the spot, Parris fired in from 12 yards.<\/p>\n
Kirby sent a low shot just wide five minutes later and, as England continued to press, Alexander made an excellent block with her leg to keep out a strike from White, who then beat the goalkeeper with a header, only to see the flag up for offside.<\/p>\n
Scotland responded with an Emslie strike that was comfortably caught by Karen Bardsley, before Alexander saved well with her leg again, denying Beth Mead, and dealt with a White effort.<\/p>\n
England then doubled their advantage as Kirby got her boot to a ball from Alex Greenwood before Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, and the touch teed up White to beat Alexander.<\/p>\n
Erin Cuthbert went close to pulling a goal back as she struck narrowly wide.<\/p>\n
England had the ball in Scotland\u2019s net again early in the second half, but Mead\u2019s strike was another effort disallowed for offside.<\/p>\n
After Emslie saw an attempt gathered by Bardsley, Alexander pulled off another great stop as she pushed away White\u2019s volley.<\/p>\n
Scotland then reduced the deficit when England captain Steph Houghton gave the ball away and Lisa Evans set up Emslie\u2019s strike.<\/p>\n
It made for a tense conclusion, but England were able to hang on for three points in Group D.<\/p>\n