England were held to a disappointing draw by Mexico in their opening game of the Women's World Cup at Wolfsburg's Volkswagen Arena.
Fara Williams headed Hope Powell's side in front midway through the first half, but a mistake by goalkeeper Karen Bardsley gifted Mexico an equaliser before the break as she failed to keep out Monica Ocampo's long-range effort.
England are ranked 10th in the world, but travelled to Germany full of confidence after notable recent wins, including a victory over the United States in April.
But things did not go to plan in the Group B clash to put the pressure on England going into their second game against New Zealand, who opened with a 2-1 loss to Japan.
England should have retaken the lead early in the second half only for Eni Aluko to miss her kick with the goal at her mercy.
And the 2009 UEFA Women's Championship runners-up could not find a winning goal, leaving themselves with work to do from their remaining group games.
Source: AFP
