Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Moncton

"Confident start by England, Lucy Bronze seeing plenty of the ball and linking with Eniola Aluko up top. Meanwhile, the press box dives for cover as the rain drives in."

A heavy touch from striker Ellen White, as she gets back to do some defending, allows the ball to run to France full-back Laure Bolleau on the edge of the area.

No second thoughts from Bolleau who thrashes goalwards with her first touch, but White has made amends, getting out to make the block.

And the subsequent corner comes to nothing.

Sue Smith
Former England forward on BBC Two

"England have set up really compact, really deep. They're going to try and hit France on the counter."

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

"I know France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi very well. She handles the ball well but prone to the odd error and can be wound up very easily."

...Headed clear by France.

It has just started chucking it down by the way. A real deluge, complete with a hooley of a wind.

This is like February in the north-east. Maybe it won't be to the French liking.

Eni Aluko with a corner, but it is cleared at the near post as the referee blows for a foul on keeper Sarah Bouhaddi.

England coach Mark Sampson is already prowling the technical area. Promising signs for him as well as Eni Aluko gets an early run at Laura Georges.

She is matched for pace, but England have a useful spot for a free-kick delivery inside the France half. Fara Williams to take...

Here we go. The journey begins.

France get us under way...

Image source, @katiegbbc

BBC Sport's Katie Gornall: "I think some fans are going to miss the start of this match. Still long queues outside 10 mins from kick-off.

Ray Lee: Well, our girls could hardly do worse than the 'men' did.

Philip: Good luck England women in the World Cup, hopeful we can score a lot of goals. Going for a 4-1 win for England.

Jamie Brocklehurst: Come on England ladies. Show the men how to do it at a World Cup!

Let us know on #bbcfootball, external, on the BBC Sport Facebook , externaland Google+, external pages and 81111 on text.

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

"We have been talking a lot about this game, and now it is time for England to deliver. All the players were belting out the national anthem, they are very proud."

Well, if it comes down to decibels I think England shaded it.

A rousing rendition of God Save the Queen...

Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie on BBC Two: "Midfielder Fara Williams is fantastic for the team. She will be huge as the most capped player in the team and will look to keep them disciplined. She has been working on her fitness and can really get round that park now."

Wendy Lloyd: I'm really nervous for the girls- France will be fierce!

Nicola Field: Good luck to Jill Scott and the lionesses against France. Let's have it ladies!

Mark Hampson: Let's see if they can sing the national anthem better than the men as well.

They had better get those turnstiles ticking.

The two teams are out and La Marseillais is being belted out by the French...

Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Moncton

Image source, .

"Plenty of empty seats here yet there are two big queues outside the stadium."

There were a couple of what look like hi-tech lawnmowers skimming about on the Moncton Stadium surface.

But they are definitely not.

This World Cup is, somewhat controversially, being played on artificial surfaces.

That is a lot of rubber crumb being shaken out of socks.

Danny Mills
Former England defender on BBC Two

"England need a lot of belief and they will have worked with this 4-5-1 formation on the training ground.

"Technically, France are by far the better team, you have to try and nullify that. You can't just play them off the park. You will have to park the bus a little. When you play that defensively, it can come down to a lapse in concentration. It is tiring mentally.

"There is pressure on France to take the game to England. A point will be fantastic.

"This is the biggest stage, all media will be watching it and the ladies have a great opportunity which they need to take."

England midfielder Jill Scott: Thanks for all the messages! It's finally here our first World Cup game v France. Kick-off is 6pm English time BBC 2! Hope you can all tune in.

T minus 10 to kick-off.

Want all the all the goals, incident, stats, colour and general fun of this Women's World Cup in a super-concentrated easy-to-digest form straight to your tablet? Or PC or smartphone for that matter?

We have just the prescription for you. A new Womens' World Cup Catch-Up is on the iPlayer every day and will definitely not cause drowsiness. Enjoy.

Hearnsolo: England's women play football consistently with a passion the men lack. They deserve every support. C'mon Lionesses!

Dan Jones: Good luck England, got you down for a 1-0 win. You can do it.

Scott: Good too see both Williams & Chapman playing together! Great line up.