England must play better - Powell

• Venue: Germany


• Date: 26 June - 17 July


• Coverage: Watch all England matches live on the Red Button and BBC Sport website (UK only); listen on BBC Radio 5 live; highlights on BBC Two; final live on BBC Three

Powell grateful England did not lose their opening game (UK users only)

England coach Hope Powell remained philosophical after her side drew 1-1 with Mexico in their opening game of the Women's World Cup.

Expected to start with a win, England were unable to break down stubborn opponents in the Wolfsburg Arena.

"We struggled a bit with the heat but no excuses - we will have to play better if we want to stay in this tournament," Powell told BBC Sport.

"We're disappointed that we didn't win but pleased we didn't lose."

England were rewarded for a strong start when Fara Williams found space in the box to head home Karen Carney's outswinging corner in the 21st minute.

To concede the way we did was bitterly disappointing

England coach Hope Powell

But a long-range effort from Monica Ocampo caught out England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and, despite toiling for a winner, England were forced to settle for an unsatisfactory point.

"The goal flew in, didn't it? But to concede the way we did was bitterly disappointing. We would have expected her [Bardsley] to have saved that," said Powell.

"We dominated up until that point and she was devastated to have let that goal in. It let them back into the game."

Powell allayed any concerns over the fitness of defender Faye White, who was substituted in the second half.

"Faye started to fatigue as the game went on, so we just took her off to protect her. We're happy with Faye's performance given that she has been out injured for a while," the England boss added.

England have a four-day break before facing New Zealand, who lost 2-1 to Japan in Monday's earlier game, on Friday.

Highlights - Mexico 1-1 England (UK users only)