England edge out old rivals as Japan get set for World Cup bow

Former winners Japan will hope to keep pace with group rival England's winning start when the Nadeshiko kick off their Women's World Cup campaign against outsiders Argentina on Monday.

England got the better of their old foes Scotland in Nice Sunday, although Phil Neville's side were forced to cling on for a 2-1 victory.

A Nikita Parris penalty and Ellen White's strike had England 2-0 up and cruising in the south of France, but Scotland rallied in the second half on their World Cup finals debut and Claire Emslie pulled one back.

England, who are among the favourites to win the trophy, took three points in the Group D opener but the victory hinged on the 14th-minute penalty awarded following a VAR review of a handball by Scotland defender Nicola Docherty.

"We have been given two talks by referees, and both said that was going to be a penalty," said Neville of the award.

"I have not seen it, I didn't look at it, I just trusted that the minute the referee came over, the minute that she does that, I think it is going to be a penalty."
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