91Èȱ¬

England slipped to a 1-0 defeat in their Women's World Cup opener against France as Eugenie Le Sommer's strike proved the difference.

Coach 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 for her 45th international goal.

England improved after the break with Jill Scott's volley their best effort.

The players and supporters inside the Moncton Stadium, in the Canadian province of News Brunswick, had to put up with bad weather throughout the match, with strong winds making it hard to cross the ball.

The Lionesses will look to bounce back in their next group match against Mexico on Saturday.