England vs. Mexico: Score and Twitter Reaction for 2015 Women's Soccer World Cup

England got their Group F ambitions off the ground at the Women's World Cup as they beat Mexico 2-1 on Saturday.

Goals from Fran Kirby and Karen Carney earned the English the result, with Fabiola Ibarra scoring a late consolation for the Mexicans.

England coach Mark Sampson selected an attacking front three, with Eniola Aluko joined by Toni Duggan and the prodigious Kirby.

In a nervy encounter, England started the better of the two teams but could never establish an early period of dominance over the Mexicans.

Getty Images/Getty Images

Aluko was the Lionesses' best player, working hard through the middle and drifting wide to utilise her incredible pace.

But the Mexicans kept themselves in the game with Charlyn Corral threatening, hitting her shot over the crossbar. 

Mexico slowly came to terms with their illustrious opponents and retained the ball with aplomb, frustrating the English women as the half progressed. 

Matt Kryger-USA TODAY Sports

The artificial pitch also seemed to be causing England issues, affecting the tempo and accuracy of their passing game. 

England had a gilt-edged opportunity midway through the half after excellent work from Lucy Bronze—who squared for Kirby—but the young talent couldn't find a finish. 

In the latter stages of the first half, the Lionesses began to finally dictate territory, as Fara Williams became more involved in the attacking third. 

On the stroke of half-time, England had the best chance of the game as Aluko smashed the crossbar, and the half concluded goalless. 

The Daily Mail's Oliver Holt gave his assessment on the opening 45 minutes:

Natasha Dowie was optimistic about England's chances for the second half, per BBC Sport:

"

Towards the end of the first half we used the width a bit more. At the beginning of the game we were forcing it central too much and the players were getting crowded out. It has been great play by England at times to get into good positions, but just that final shot is not testing the keeper enough.

"

The second half began as the first ended, with England probing—but Mexico looked dangerous on the break. 

Elsa/Getty Images

And as the Mexicans streamed forward in spurts, the Lionesses looked nervous with the task at hand. 

But Sampson's team began to show character and were finally awarded for their endeavour, as Kirby grabbed the team's first goal of the competition. 

Substitute Carney played the ball toward Duggan in the penalty area, and Kirby capitalised as the ball fell to her feet, poking the ball in from 12 yards. 

Fox Sports' Kayla Knapp hailed England's goal:

And the Women's World Cup shared the moment on social media:

The Mexicans immediately responded, quickening their pace and contact with the opposition, but their drives forward left space in behind, leaving Kirby and Aluko with areas to attack.

Kirby came close to scoring as the game entered the final 10 minutes. With Mexico struggling to defend, the Lionesses were again rewarded for their pressure as Carney headed home. 

The Women's World Cup once again shared the magic moment for England:

Bleacher Report's Stan Collymore also gave his opinion about England as he reviewed their attacking options:

However, with the win seemingly in the bag, England made life hard for themselves after allowing the Mexicans to grab a goal—as the clock struck 90 minutes. 

Ibarra slotted the ball home as the English team made a mess of their defending, leaving an incredibly nervous four minutes of injury time remaining. 

But the Lionesses dragged themselves over the finish line, giving them the three points after a close contest. 

The result blows the group wide open, and England will now feel confident in their ability to progress. But Sampson's team must show more composure on the ball and shake off their nerves. 

Kirby is a real find for the England manager, and the youngster could be the spark the country needs to further their ambitions at this World Cup. 

However, England must show an added desire at the corrected times in matches. On Saturday, they allowed Mexico too many opportunities to spoil the party.