England launched their 2019 Women’s World Cup campaign with a narrow win over Scotland in Nice.
Nikita Parris’ penalty, awarded after a video assistant referee (VAR) review when Fran Kirby’s cross struck Nicola Docherty’s arm, set them on their way.
Kirby was also involved in the second, winning the ball for Ellen White to fire past Lee Alexander.
Scotland pulled one back through Claire Emslie after Steph Houghton’s wayward pass but could not find the equaliser.
Scotland were making their World Cup debut and were much improved from the side that lost 6-0 to England at Euro 2017.
England’s next game is against Argentina, the lowest ranked country in Group D, on Friday in Le Havre (20:00 BST), while Scotland will look to bounce back against Japan on the same day in Rennes (14:00).
More to follow.
