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    Jodie Taylor's Goal Lifts England Past Argentina at 2019 Women's World Cup

    Rob Blanchette@@_Rob_BFeatured ColumnistJune 14, 2019

    LE HAVRE, FRANCE - JUNE 14: Jodie Taylor of England celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group D match between England and Argentina at on June 14, 2019 in Le Havre, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
    Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images

    England defeated Argentina 1-0 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in Le Havre, France, on Friday.

    The Lionesses had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring through Nikita Parris' penalty after 27 minutes, but Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa saved her shot onto the post.

    England had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock. Jodie Taylor was assured as she slotted home after 61 minutes for the only goal of the game.

    England dominated the opening stages but failed to put Correa under sustained pressure.

    Phil Neville's team had a chance to break the deadlock in the first half when Manchester United captain Alex Greenwood was fouled by Ruth Bravo in the penalty area.

    The referee took an extended period to organise the spot-kick, leaving taker Parris waiting to fire her shot. When it finally came, Correa saved her effort.

    Sky Sports Football shared the moment:

    Sky Sports Football @SkyFootball

    What a save! 🧤 Correa makes a sprawling save to her left to turn Parris' penalty onto the post! Follow live updates as #Eng Women face #Arg in Group D at the Women's World Cup: https://t.co/172zuVqR4u https://t.co/OrBtVakjJB

    ✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content Right Arrow Icon

    England continued to be the better side, attacking at will and with consistency, but Argentina's toughness was clearly abundant.

    Former United States international Yael Averbuch West tipped her hat to the underdog's tactics:

    Yael Averbuch West @Yael_Averbuch

    Looks like Argentina did their homework and is VERY tight on England’s right side (Bronze and Parris)... also going in hard on them to make a statement

    Neville appeared pensive in the technical area, but his side played with an increasing tempo until the half-time whistle.

    OptaJoe highlighted Abbie McManus' ball retention:

    OptaJoe @OptaJoe

    50 - England's Abbie McManus completed 50 passes in the first half, more than Argentina's entire XI combined (43). Dictating. #FIFAWWC #ENGARG #ENG https://t.co/KOZJFjar7t

    Correa was once again at the centre of the action after the restart, denying Parris once more with a superb point-blank save.

    England were finally rewarded for their play on 61 minutes as Beth Mead found the perfect cross for Taylor to tap home.

    Jill Scott should have doubled the lead with 18 minutes remaining, but the Manchester City star's header landed on the roof of the net.

    Argentina had their first shot on target after 75 minutes, but the English were relentless in their focus and desire to win.

    Fran Kirby and Parris both remained busy and dangerous throughout, driving England forward, and the Lionesses booked their spot in the next round with their second victory in Group D.

                           

    What's Next

    Both nations are back in Group D action Wednesday. England will play Japan, and Argentina face Scotland.