Twitter Reacts as England Lose Women's World Cup Opener to France

England kicked off their Women's World Cup campaign on a blustery Tuesday afternoon in New Brunswick, Canada. After last year's men's tournament in Brazil, England fans had every right to feel anxious about the prospect of watching the national team, but many on Twitter were throwing their support behind the Lionesses...

Even passionate football fan Dave Cameron was on board with the ladies team...

Before kick-off, the ladies won plaudits for showing a little more vocal passion than their male counterparts... 

Many who had tuned into the game were slightly underwhelmed by the University of Moncton stadium, whose 10,000 capacity still appeared to have plenty of empty seats...

Despite the large French-speaking population of New Brunswick, it was the England fans in the stadium who appeared to be the most vocal...

The Three Lionesses were captained by Steph Houghton, who rose to prominence with her standout performance at London 2012. She clearly had a lot of fans on social media... 

"

Steph houghton is just the most enjoyable player to watch

— Izzy (@izzy_blankfield) June 9, 2015"

Les Blues, meanwhile, were attracting attention due to the fact that they were fielding an "Henry," although she is no relation to Thierry...

England had dominated the early stages of the game, but just before the half-hour mark the French took the lead through a wonderful strike from Eugenie Le Sommer...

"

VINE #FRA Eugenie Le Sommer beats the #ENG GK at the near post https://t.co/5cWjTEnRnG

— FanSided GIF (@FanSidedGIF) June 9, 2015"

"

Example where "never at the near post" analysis prob wrong. Has so much goal to protect at that angle #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/huMCRhybyf

— Richard Farley (@richardfarley) June 9, 2015"

England 'keeper Karen Bardsley came under fire for conceding the goal and for her general performance... 

"

Bardsley needs to start catching the ball! #Lionesses

— Adam Allcroft (@AdamAllcroft) June 9, 2015"

Regardless of the goalkeeping standards, the feeling of most England fans was quite clear...

England went into half-time a goal down, and although the scoreline was disappointing, many were pleased with the media prominence being given to the women's game...

And many commented on the positive aspects of the women's game, such as the lack of gamesmanship...

Plenty, however, used the first 45 to let the world know they did not approve of the ladies' game... 

"

Watching women's football is like watching Sunday league! #terrible #FIFAWWC

— Toni (@Toniii267) June 9, 2015"

England brought on Manchester City striker Toni Duggan in the second half to try and inspire some goalmouth action, but as the game progressed, many commented on the lack of entertainment on show. Understandable comparisons were drawn with the men's stalemate against Ireland on Sunday...

"

This game has been as dull as Ireland v England on Sunday. #Lionesses

— Laisvė (@shaunharvey87) June 9, 2015"

"

England women set up just as negative as the mens side. Boring.

— Daniel Thomas Gaskin (@danieltgaskin) June 9, 2015"

One of the few incidents of note in the second half was the moment when Camille Abily appeared to elbow Laura Bassett in the face. It was missed by the referee but not by the masses on Twitter...   

"

That's a bad elbow @england vs france

— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) June 9, 2015"

Abily, however, went a small way to redeeming herself shortly afterwards with a very unusual through-the-legs play...

The game finished 1-0 to France, who gained the early advantage to go top of Group F. The real winners, though, were the fans who decided to make this incredibly inoffensive sign...

Oh, Canada.