LE HAVRE: England’s Jodie Taylor scored the only goal as they broke the deadlock against Argentina just past the hour to secure a 1-0 win and reach the last 16 at the women’s World Cup last night.
England’s Nikita Parris had a first-half penalty saved by Vanina Correa, but Taylor got on the end of Beth Mead’s cross in the 62nd minute to give her side their second straight win.
England, who moved on to six points in Group D, join hosts France, Germany and Italy into the knockout phase.
England coach Phil Neville had expected a tough game against an Argentina side who picked up their first World Cup point in a 0-0 draw against Japan in their opener and he was right.
England dominated possession as the Argentines soaked up the pressure early on and the Lionesses had a golden opportunity to go ahead in the 28th minute when Alex Greenwood was brought down in the area by Ruth Bravo but Parris’s spot kick was saved.
Despite 11 attempts at goal, England were still looking for the breakthrough as they went in at halftime.
Correa again denied Parris early in the second half with a brilliant save from the forward’s 20-metre strike, but there was nothing the 35-year-old could do when Taylor latched onto Mead’s cross and tucked the ball away inside the box.