Georgia Stanway plays a late cameo role as England women see off Scotland in World Cup opener

In front of a crowd of 13,188 at the Allianz Riviera, Nikita Parris put the Lionesses ahead with a 14th-minute penalty awarded for handball via VAR and Ellen White’s curled finish made it 2-0 in the 40th minute.

Having looked very much in control for most of the game, Phil Neville’s team, who were denied by some fine Lee Alexander saves and had two efforts chalked off for offside, then endured a nervy finale after Claire Emslie pulled a goal back with 11 minutes remaining.

Manchester City's Stanway impressed with some tidy attacking play and nearly got on the scoresheet after replacing Fran Kirby in the 82ns minute.

The teams next play on Friday when Shelley Kerr’s Scotland face Japan in Rennes before England take on Argentina in Le Havre.

With Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon among those watching from the stands, Kerr’s side made a fairly bright start to the contest, with Caroline Weir having an early shot blocked, before they fell behind just prior to the quarter-hour mark as England benefited from VAR.

Kirby’s cross struck Nicola Docherty on the arm and, after Czech referee Jana Adamkova watched footage back and pointed to the spot, Parris fired in from 12 yards.

England doubled their advantage as Kirby got her boot to a ball from Alex Greenwood before Scotland captain Rachel Corsie, and the touch teed up White to beat Alexander.

Erin Cuthbert went close to pulling a goal back as she struck narrowly wide.

England had the ball in Scotland’s net again early in the second half, but Mead’s strike was another effort disallowed for offside.

Scotland then reduced the deficit when England captain Steph Houghton gave the ball away and Lisa Evans set up Emslie’s strike.

Neville sent Stanway onto the pitch and she was inches away from restoring England's two-goal lead with a curling effort.

England were able to hang on for three points in Group D.