Mark Sampson set his team up to contain a French side ranked third in Fifa's world rankings, three places above England.

But they could not prevent midfielder Le Sommer beating goalkeeper Karen Bardsley at her near post from 20 yards for her 45th international goal.

England improved after the break, with Jill Scott's volley their best effort, but they are likely to be more attacking in their other group games against Mexico and Colombia, who are both ranked below them.

This time there was less entertainment as England continued their poor run against their opponents, who they have not beaten for 40 years.

In the first tournament game staged at Moncton Stadium, hundreds of fans struggled to gain entry in time for kick-off and as the rain came down they watched a tame first half where England had only one attempt at goal.

Sampson's plan was to thwart France, who are tipped to go far in the tournament. He named Lucy Bronze, who usually plays right-back, on the left of a midfield five in an effort to nullify winger Elodie Thomis.

Although the plan worked in the first 20 minutes, it did invite their opponents to build momentum patiently before taking the lead.

Bardsley had already saved Gaetane Thiney's low strike but she could do little as Le Sommer picked the ball up after Katie Chapman gave it away and fired in from the edge of the box.

By sitting deep, England struggled to support lone striker Eniola Aluko and their only notable chance of the first half came when Chapman missed the target from 18 yards after France keeper Sarah Bouhaddi was caught out of goal.

England were more ambitious in the second half as Scott had their first meaningful effort on goal after 56 minutes, but her volley from a corner was easily saved.

Le Sommer still looked a threat, while Steph Houghton was fortunate to block Camille Abily's strike despite being down after taking a bang to the face. Abily was also lucky not to be penalised for a raised arm towards Laura Bassett in the build up.

With England failing to trouble France further, Les Bleues coach Philippe Bergaroo withdrew some of his best attackers, such as the tricky Louisa Necib.

After entertaining games between Sweden and Nigeria, plus the United States and Australia on Monday, this did not reach the same heights.

(BBC)