A bit of a bum note to start on results-wise. But England kept one of the tournament favourites honest right until the final whistles.

That is not too bad in the broad scheme of things.

Don't forget you can check out England's next two opponents - Colombia and Mexico - as they meet in Group F's other match in a little under half an hour's time.

There is also Spain v Costa Rica (21:00 BST) and Brazil v South Korea (midnight) to tickle your fancy this evening.

"Where," you ask? Need you ask?

Live video coverage of all the matches is right here on the BBC Sport website.

See you later.

Sophie L: Mark Sampson set up to mute an attacking team, losing 1-0 to the team ranked third in the world isn't to be sniffed at.

Image source, Getty Images

It is not just Prime Minister David Cameron working hard on the international diplomacy this week.

England's players attempted to drum up a little local support at the end of the match with a pre-prepared banner.

Their game against Mexico on Saturday is also in Moncton.

The jury may be out on England as a whole, but left-back Claire Rafferty's stock is on the rise after she snuffed out Elodie Thomis' threat.

The Chelsea defender had 62 touches - 14 more than anyone else in an England shirt managed - and won an impressive 83% of, what the stats guys call, "duels". Basically any 50:50s on the ground or in the air.

She got forward well as well:

Image source, Opta

Rich Sears: Good display by England. Contained and went for the draw and didn't happen. But a sensible display.

Sean Hunt: Everyone slating England. They only lost 1-0 to France who are predicted to get to semis.. Roll on Mexico and Colombia.

Joel Salmon: England's tactics are good, they're pretty solid as a team. But they lack the technical ability to really shine.

Image source, AFP

Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Moncton

"England not particularly entertaining but then they will say they are here to do a job. The games v Mexico and Colombia will be real measure."

England play Mexico on Saturday at 21:00 BST before closing their Group F campaign against Colombia at 21:00 BST on Wednesday 17 June.

Image source, Opta

There was more ambition from England towards the end of the game with Toni Duggan and Fran Kirby coming on in the 60th and 68th minute to join Eni Aluko up front.

But, overall, England were penned back by a France side who dominated the ball.

The average position graphic above shows a side under the cosh.

Rachel Yankey
Former England midfielder

"It was more positive towards the end from England's point of view. Hopefully in the next group game we can push on and get the win.

Image source, Reuters

England manager Mark Sampson described his team's performance as "superb". It seems you do not agree.

Matt Love: Typical English sports mentality from the manager there, that was not a brilliant England performance.

Davestwin7: As much as I am proud to be English, at any point did we string together more than three passes?

OULondon: England played better in the second half but France are a quality team and deserved to win.

Liverpool forward Natasha Dowie speaking on BBC Two: "I was disappointed with France. I expected more from them with the quality they had on the pitch. I don't think it's too bad a result for England. It wasn't a great game for either team."

Former Liverpool and England striker Stan Collymore: England positives...play with tempo/adventure of second half, match for most. Rafferty excellent at LB, Aluko needs to hold it up more reliably.

So "a superb performance" or an underwhelming, under-ambitious display that amounts to a missed opportunity to scalp one of the tournament favourites?

If you want another look at the action to make up your mind, the highlights from today's game are available on the, funny enough, highlights tab on this page.

Image source, Getty Images

England coach Mark Sampson speaking to BBC Two: "I thought we managed the first half superbly. You are always vulnerable to a counter when you encourage your team to try and play the ball out of defence like we do. But the longer the half went on there was only one team who was going to score to get back into it. That was a superb England performance."

England could, conceivably, have nicked it.

But the stats suggest it would have been grand larceny if they had.

France-England

Total shots: 19-3

On target: 3-1

Total passes: 524-292

Possession: 64%-36%

Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Moncton

"Mark Sampson came with a plan and to a certain degree it worked. England didn't look like scoring but they didn't need to win and the games against Mexico and Colombia will allow England to be more attack-minded. 8/10 for defensive organisation. 4/10 for entertainment."

Rachel Yankey
Former England midfielder on BBC Two

"They have two more games to show what England can do because they have some really good players."

Danny Mills
Former England defender on BBC Two

"France want to grow into this tournament and they looked like they cruised it. There's a confidence boost for England in that they didn't get beaten by three or four goals which we thought might happen.

"That's important. We expect France to beat everyone in the group so it becomes a mini group. If England had been beaten three or four that would have damaged their confidence."

England striker Eni Aluko looks tearful as she heads off the pitch. Is it just the bitter taste of defeat or has she picked up an injury?

Not clear just yet, we will keep an eye out. Aluko certainly ran her heart out for her team today.

Rachel Brown-Finnis
Former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 live

"England will take a lot of heart from this game. As an England critic and fan, I can take a lot of positives from this game.

"Mexico are no pushovers but England now are armed with the capability of changing their tactics. That will hold them in good stead against Colombia too.

"There has been a lot of rotation, and there is great flexibility and adaptability in the side.

"The girls can be proud of their performance and one quality from France which flew into the top corner. England were punished."

Image source, AP

Former Liverpool and France striker Djibril Cisse: Allez les filles.

He should be stripped of the Lordship of Frondsham for such treachery.