England kick off their campaign at the FIFA World Cup 2019 with a 2-1 win over Scotland. Two first-half goals from Parris’ penalty in the 14′ minute and a follow up in the 40th minute from White helped the English Lionesses register an emphatic win over Scotland. Emslie found the mark in the 79th minute for a consolation goal for Scotland.
England faced their neighbours Scotland in their opening game of the Group D of the FIFA World Cup at the Allianz Riviera in Nice.
England
The English Lionesses under legendary England international and former Manchester United defender Phil Neville resorted to the 4-3-3 formation with Beth Mead, Ellen White and Nikita Parris in the attack. England’s best finish in their 4 appearances in the World Cup has been a third place in 2015. They reached the final of the UEFA Women’s Championship in 1984 and 2009
Scotland:
The Scots make their debut in the 2019 FIFA World Cup in France and are currently placed 20th in the World Rankings. They are guided by Shelly Ker a former Scottish international and adopt the 4-5-1 formation against England.
First Half:
Scotland were finding it hard to match the pace and flair of the English team, while it looked like the women in white would find their place on the scoring charts pretty soon.
14 minute into the First half a cross from Fran Kirby on the right flank was met with the extended arm of Scottish defender Nicola Docherty. After a VAR Review, Referee Jana Adámková from the Czech Republic pointed to the penalty spot.
Nikita Parris, who plays for Olympique Lyon, in France converted from the spot and give England the lead. England 1 – 0 Scotland.
Right back Lucy Bronze came to the edge of the Scottish penalty box to cross the ball and White’s first-time volley was brilliantly denied by Lee Alexander in the Scottish goal.
In India: Politics & Entertainment
In the 40th minute, Allen White’s left footed curling shot found the back of the Scottish net as the blue brigade were unable to clear their lines after a brilliant wall pass from the English lionesses had put the fright in their opposition defense.
Second Half:
Ellen White kept the pressure on the Scottish defense but time and again the last line of defense Lee Alexander in the goal was up to the challenge.
Claire Emslie made a brave run midway through the second half and drove in a fierce grounded effort at the English Goal. Karen Bardsley who keeps for Manchester City had no trouble dropping down and cradling the shot to deny the lanky Claire.
A rare slip up from England Captain Steph Houghton and her pass was well intercepted in the midfield by Lisa Evans, who plays for Arsenal in England. Evans sprinted 25 yards in front and pat the English opponents and played a sublime pass from the outside of her for Claire Emslie. Claire right foot breached the English bastion and Scotland celebrated their first ever World Cup goal. Scotland 1 – 2 England.
Player of the Match: 25-year-old Nikita Parris, who plays for Olympique Lyon was adjudged Player of the Match for her brilliant performance for England.