England vs Scotland, World Cup player ratings: Who starred in Nice and who had a game to forget?

Lucy Bronze of England celebrates after Ellen White of England (not pictured) scores her team's second goal
England overcame stubborn opposition to triumph 2-1 in their World Cup opener Credit: getty images

Phil Neville's side began their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Scotland in Nice. But who impressed and who failed to deliver for both sides?

England

Bardsley (Man City) – did not have much to do but what she did she did without fanfare or fuss. Exactly what you want from your goalkeeper. 7

Bronze (Lyon) – she is just a class act, able to do things with a ball that other players simply cannot. Looks far happier in her natural right-back slot. 8

Houghton (Man City) – looked in trouble against Cuthbert when one on one but recovered brilliantly. England’s best defender as well as leader. Poor pass though led to Scotland goal. 6

Bright (Chelsea) – has improved so much on the ball, she is starting to look like the complete centre-back and a shoulder injury will be a big worry. 7

Greenwood (Manchester United) – a beneficiary of an injury to Demi Stokes, she had a few problems early on but did not put a foot wrong after that. 7

Scott (Man City) – never looks far away from a yellow card but so vital to the team as a midfield destroyer. England not the same team without her. 8

Kirby (Chelsea) – won a penalty and went close with shot midway through first half. Not quite at her best but an encouraging first performance in the tournament. 7

Walsh (Man City) – kept England ticking over, winning and recycling the ball. Vital, unfussy work, but perhaps not as creative as she can be. 6

Parris (Lyon) – smashed home penalty kick and celebrated with all the pent-up frustration of someone who could not wait for the tournament to start. Could become one the stars of the tournament. 8

White (Birmingham City) – denied by fantastic save and an offside flag, Man City’s new signing scored England’s second goal and worked tirelessly for the team. 7

Mead (Arsenal) – a nearly sort of performance: she nearly got on the end of Bronze cross, nearly got a shot past Alexander and nearly scored the third goal. 6

Subs: McManus (Man United) for Bright 55, Carney (Chelsea) for Mead 71, Stanway (Manchester City) for Kirby 82

Scotland

Alexander (Glasgow City) – quality save to deny White at her near post and another to keep out Mead but she was merely putting fingers in the dam. 7

Howard (Reading)  - must have been glad she was on the opposite flank to team-mate Douglas but did not let anyone down against a superior side. 7

Corsie (Utah Royals) – very costly missed tackle on Kirby led to England’s second goal but refused to yield despite constant pressure. 7

Beattie (Arsenal) – frustration took its toll and she was booked for a lunge on Parris at the end of first half but stuck at it in difficult conditions. 6

Docherty (Glasgow City) – she knew she was in trouble when Kirby cross flicked her hand and she gave away penalty. Endured a torrid time trying to contain Bronze and Parris. A relief when she was taken off. 4

Evans (Arsenal) – extremely quiet, starved of territory and possession she was unable to get into the game. 5

Murray (Liverpool) – if you have seen the Alan Partridge shoulder shrug GIF then that pretty much sums up her display. 5

Little (Arsenal) – for Scotland to hurt England they had to get the Arsenal playmaker on the ball in the final third but England were set up to contain her and did so well. 6

Weir (Manchester City) – brilliantly dispossessed Kirby on edge of the area but could not get to grips with England’s midfield runners. 6

Emslie (Orlando Pride) – nice drop of the shoulder to get shot away but it was straight at the goalkeeper, hauled Scotland back into it late on. 7

Cuthbert (Chelsea) – one promising run apart she was quiet and did not connect cleanly with half chance effort just before half-time. 6

Subs:  Smith (Manchester United) for Docherty 55, Arthur (Birmingham City) for Howard 75, Arnot (Manchester United) for Murray 86

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