England's women have earned a credible draw away in France, but could have won the game had it not been for defensive lapses.
England rode their luck at times in the first half as the French women dominated possession but rarely found the killer pass.
The home team did almost score on the half-hour mark, but Alex Scott was able to clear Eugenie La Sommer's shot off the line.
Five minutes later England were ahead after France's goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi handled the ball outside the area. She was perhaps lucky to escape with just a yellow card, but further punishment came when Steph Houghton smashed the ball into the top corner.
Despite more French pressure, the away side broke quickly. Rachel Yankee found space on the left and crossed to an unmarked Jill Scott, who made it two for England.
After the break France continued to dominate possession but England rode their luck, surviving a couple of penalty appeals and relying on Siobhan Chamberlain in goal.
The French pressure told eventually when substitute Marie-Laure Delie finished well after the ball broke to her in the box.
Delie got her second eight minutes from time, lifting the ball over Chamberlain with a great finish after a defensive mix-up allowed her space on the edge of the box.
Daniel Cross
