England showed glimpses of their potential in a narrow win over neighbours Scotland in their World Cup opener.
Nikita Parris scored from the spot after a VAR review saw a Docherty handball from Fran Kirby's cross, while Ellen White doubled the lead in a dominant first half.
The new Manchester City forward had a header disallowed for offside, before a mix up in the Scottish defence left her through on goal and she calmly curled the ball into the net.
But in the second half, England eased off and Scotland pounced, with Claire Emslie slotting home after a rare error from Steph Houghton.
Scotland's resolve to get back in the game - despite not getting an equaliser - will give them confidence going into matches against 2011 champions Japan and Argentina.
They came into the match unbeaten in five, and had a good chance at 2-0 to pull one back, as Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert dragged a shot wide of Karen Bardsley's goal.
For the Lionesses, it was a game of two halves.
They played a confident first half, particularly after the first goal, and that style is what Neville believes could bring them their first World Cup.
But the dropped away after the break, despite the former Manchester United defender naming what looked like his strongest eleven to start.
Neville is taking part in his first World Cup as a player or manager, and will be impressed by the performances from White, Parris and Lucy Bronze who were a menace for Docherty down the right, who was eventually substituted.
But the lackluster second half may be of concern, particularly against the sides with more quality.
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Nikita Parris scored from the spot after a VAR review saw a Docherty handball from Fran Kirby's cross, while Ellen White doubled the lead in a dominant first half.
The new Manchester City forward had a header disallowed for offside, before a mix up in the Scottish defence left her through on goal and she calmly curled the ball into the net.
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| Photo from The Independent |
Scotland's resolve to get back in the game - despite not getting an equaliser - will give them confidence going into matches against 2011 champions Japan and Argentina.
They came into the match unbeaten in five, and had a good chance at 2-0 to pull one back, as Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert dragged a shot wide of Karen Bardsley's goal.
For the Lionesses, it was a game of two halves.
They played a confident first half, particularly after the first goal, and that style is what Neville believes could bring them their first World Cup.
But the dropped away after the break, despite the former Manchester United defender naming what looked like his strongest eleven to start.
Neville is taking part in his first World Cup as a player or manager, and will be impressed by the performances from White, Parris and Lucy Bronze who were a menace for Docherty down the right, who was eventually substituted.
But the lackluster second half may be of concern, particularly against the sides with more quality.
Never miss a post - enter your email address in the box on the right!
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