England secured a place in the knock-out stages of the Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought if unconvincing win over Argentina in Group D.
Jodie Taylor’s close-range finish midway through the second half secured all three points for Phil Neville’s side, who were made to work for the victory by their South American opponents.
Nikita Parris was given the opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half but, unlike against Scotland in Nice on Sunday, failed to convert.
Vanina Correa, the Argentina goalkeeper, produced a fine save to tip Parris’ effort onto the post and Taylor sent the rebound wide.
Beth Mead also wasted an excellent chance to break the deadlock, though atoned for her miss later by setting up Taylor’s decisive goal with an excellent low cross.
England next meet Japan in Nice on Wednesday night and Neville’s side will progress as winners of Group D if they avoid defeat.
1/11 Carly Telford – 6 out of 10
Making her majour tournament debut at the age of 31 after four summers away with England. A few nervous moments, as may be expected.
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2/11 Lucy Bronze – 7 out of 10
In the wars early on, clattered under several strong Argentine tackles, but typically refused to be intimidated.
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3/11 Abbie McManus – 6 out of 10
Replaced Millie Bright, who was not risked due to a shoulder injury, and did not let Neville or her team-mates down.
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4/11 Steph Houghton – 6 out of 10
Her and McManus had little to contend with, given Argentina’s lack of ambition, but she coped well with what little came her way.
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5/11 Alex Greenwood – 7 out of 10
Probably England’s brightest player in a disppointing first half, Greenwood combined well with Mead down the left flank.
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6/11 Jade Moore – 6 out of 10
In for Keira Walsh and another who at times let the midfield battle get the better of her, but then had to stand and compete against tenacious opponents.
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7/11 Jill Scott – 6 out of 10
Enjoyed the tussles in the middle of the park a little too much at times, when more composure was required, and did not exert usual influence.
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8/11 Nikita Parris – 6 out of 10
Denied from the spot by an excellent save, though did not strike the ball far enough in the corner. Quieter as the evening went on.
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9/11 Fran Kirby – 6 out of 10
Started slowly, gradually improved, but still failed to offer much in the way of invention. Still waiting to see her best in France.
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10/11 Beth Mead – 8 out of 10
Tormented Argentina with her close control, sometimes let down by her first touch, but her low cross for Taylor’s goal was inch-perfect.
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11/11 Jodie Taylor – 7 out of 10
Skewed the penalty rebound well wide but more than made up for that with a simple but effective finish for the opening goal.
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1/11 Carly Telford – 6 out of 10
Making her majour tournament debut at the age of 31 after four summers away with England. A few nervous moments, as may be expected.
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2/11 Lucy Bronze – 7 out of 10
In the wars early on, clattered under several strong Argentine tackles, but typically refused to be intimidated.
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3/11 Abbie McManus – 6 out of 10
Replaced Millie Bright, who was not risked due to a shoulder injury, and did not let Neville or her team-mates down.
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4/11 Steph Houghton – 6 out of 10
Her and McManus had little to contend with, given Argentina’s lack of ambition, but she coped well with what little came her way.
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5/11 Alex Greenwood – 7 out of 10
Probably England’s brightest player in a disppointing first half, Greenwood combined well with Mead down the left flank.
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6/11 Jade Moore – 6 out of 10
In for Keira Walsh and another who at times let the midfield battle get the better of her, but then had to stand and compete against tenacious opponents.
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7/11 Jill Scott – 6 out of 10
Enjoyed the tussles in the middle of the park a little too much at times, when more composure was required, and did not exert usual influence.
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8/11 Nikita Parris – 6 out of 10
Denied from the spot by an excellent save, though did not strike the ball far enough in the corner. Quieter as the evening went on.
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9/11 Fran Kirby – 6 out of 10
Started slowly, gradually improved, but still failed to offer much in the way of invention. Still waiting to see her best in France.
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10/11 Beth Mead – 8 out of 10
Tormented Argentina with her close control, sometimes let down by her first touch, but her low cross for Taylor’s goal was inch-perfect.
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11/11 Jodie Taylor – 7 out of 10
Skewed the penalty rebound well wide but more than made up for that with a simple but effective finish for the opening goal.
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England player ratings vs Argentina
Carly Telford – 6 out of 10
Making her majour tournament debut at the age of 31 after four summers away with England. A few nervous moments, as may be expected.
Lucy Bronze – 7 out of 10
In the wars early on, clattered under several strong Argentine tackles, but typically refused to be intimidated.
Steph Houghton – 6 out of 10
Her and McManus had little to contend with, given Argentina’s lack of ambition, but she coped well with what little came her way.
Abbie McManus – 6 out of 10
Replaced Millie Bright, who was not risked due to a shoulder injury, and did not let Neville or her team-mates down.
Alex Greenwood – 7 out of 10
Probably England’s brightest player in a disppointing first half, Greenwood combined well with Mead down the left flank.
Jill Scott – 6 out of 10
Enjoyed the tussles in the middle of the park a little too much at times, when more composure was required, and did not exert usual influence.
Jade Moore – 6 out of 10
In for Keira Walsh and another who at times let the midfield battle get the better of her, but then had to compete against tenacious opponents.
Nikita Parris – 6 out of 10
Denied from the spot by an excellent save, though did not strike the ball far enough in the corner. Quieter as the evening went on.
Fran Kirby – 6 out of 10
Started slowly, gradually improved, but still failed to offer much in the way of invention. Still waiting to see her best in France.
Beth Mead – 8 out of 10
Tormented Argentina with her close control, sometimes let down by her first touch, but her low cross for Taylor’s goal was inch-perfect.
Jodie Taylor – 7 out of 10
Skewed the penalty rebound well wide but more than made up for that with a simple but effective finish for the goal.
