England suffered a setback in their preparation for the Women's World Cup as they stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against tournament hosts Canada in a friendly.
Sophie Schmidt hit a fine winning goal midway through the first half for a Canadian side who were worthy victors, before a sell-out crowd of 22,000 at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.
For England and manager Mark Sampson there were few positives, and the Welshman will have plenty to consider before his team's World Cup opener against a strong France side on June 9 in Moncton, New Brunswick. Captain Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze, in defence, at least each got valuable playing time having recently recovered from knee injuries.
But there was little attacking penetration, and the midfield was largely over-run. Substitute Fara Williams almost conjured a late equaliser, hitting the crossbar from 40 yards in the 87th minute with a cross-cum-shot, however it would have flattered England.
Sampson's team defeated Canada in the final of the Cyprus Cup in March, with Lianne Sanderson the scorer of the only goal.
This time, on artificial turf, ahead of a tournament that will be played entirely on such surfaces, England's shortcomings were exposed.
Canada's goal came in the 23rd minute, from a fine 20-yard strike into the top right corner by Schmidt. Fed the ball from the right flank by Josee Belanger, Schmidt had a yard of space as a hole opened up in England's defence, and cracked a first-time shot beyond goalkeeper Karen Bardsley.
England had shaded the game until then, but without posing a genuine goal threat.
Casey Stoney had to knock the ball over England's bar to deny Canada early in the second half as the hosts pushed for a second goal. Bardsley then blocked from the impressive Schmidt.
England sent on record caps holder Williams and striker Eni Aluko, who between them have 69 goals for the national team, for the closing half hour.
Exciting young forward Fran Kirby joined the action in the 73rd minute as Katie Chapman made way, the Chelsea midfielder having not made the impact in central midfield that she would have liked.
But England remained flat as Canada, managed by an Englishman in John Herdman, delighted the overwhelming majority of spectators by tying up the home win.
Source: PA
