England Lionesses rally round tearful Fran Kirby and Carly Telford after World Cup win

Support: Kirby broke down in tears after Friday's win
Getty Images

Phil Neville said the England squad shared Fran Kirby's "happiness, emotion and sadness" as the Lionesses beat Argentina on her late mum's birthday.

Kirby broke down in tears after Jodie Taylor's first goal in 14 months earned England a 1-0 win in Le Havre, which booked England's place in the World Cup last-16 with a game to spare.

The Chelsea forward lost her mum to a sudden brain haemorrhage when she was 14, and at the final whistle the Lionesses formed a huddle with their manager, who paid tribute to a tearful Kirby.

"We’re a family," Neville said. "We were aware it was Fran’s mum’s birthday. We know how much she misses her. Carly [Telford] lost her mother this year as well. She made her World Cup debut.

"In the huddle we made reference to the fact that their two mums were looking down on them. They would have been proud of their performance. It was a really emotional day. Fran is a special person who misses her mum. We shared their happiness, emotion and sadness.

"I thought they were outstanding," Neville added. "I asked for patience, control, rhythm and speed and [we] dominated the whole game. We've got a team that’s really enjoying the World Cup."

Just as in their 0-0 draw with Japan, Argentina proved difficult to break down and goalkeeper Vanina Correa produced a heroic performance, saving Nikita Parris' first-half penalty and making a string of fine blocks.

The Albiceleste were intensely physical, best exemplified when Aldana Cometti was booked for bodychecking Lucy Bronze towards the end of the first half.

"We were expecting it," said Neville, whose England side are the first to win their first two games at a World Cup.

"To be fair, you've got to admire that South American trait, win at all costs and upset the opposition, try anything to win and I admire that. At half-time we said we had to keep our heads and discipline. Frustration can take over and I didn’t want more yellow cards ahead of Japan. We knew they had to try everything possible but we kept concentration unbelievably and I was really proud of them."

World Cup debut: Goalkeeper Telford lost her mum earlier this year
REUTERS

Taylor converted Beth Mead's perfect cross from close range for her first international goal in over a year after starting ahead of Ellen White, who scored the winner against Scotland on Sunday.

"She’s a massive big-game player," Neville said. "Ellen scored in first game, Jodie in second. It's nice when centre-forwards score because the hotel is happy when they are bouncing around the hotel. I told Jodie I knew she would score, the way she has been focused. She knew she would be playing and you reap rewards from that. She thrives off service and balls through. We've not given her the service she had in 2017 and we're working really hard on that."

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