Nicola off to losing start

OLDHAM’S Nicola White was in the England team which lost 2-1 to the United States in their opening World Cup match in Holland, leaving them little margin for error in Group ‘B’.

The Americans, coached by former England assistant Craig Parnham, began sharpest and were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes after penalty corner strikes from Paige Selenski and Kelsey Kolojejchick.

England found United States goalkeeper Jackie Kintzer in top form and although Kate Richardson-Walsh's set-piece beat her in the 56th minute they could not find the equaliser.

"We're very disappointed with the result," said coach Jason Lee. "I don't think it has to derail our ambitions for the rest of the tournament. In many ways it focuses our minds a little bit more as we're running out of slip room.

"The first 10 minutes didn't reflect our ability at all. America took two well-worked corners and from then on we were chasing the game.

"I think we've learned that how we start is crucial. We have to hit our straps from the first second." England face China tomorrow.