"I've got to wait in for the gas man."

"The pet hamster has passed away."

"My other half accidentally painted the front door shut."

All pretty poor excuses for missing work. "I'm playing in a World Cup" would seem stronger, but as England assistant head coach Marieanne Spacey explained to BBC Sport, it almost didn't cut the mustard when she was preparing to play in England's first World Cup in 1995.

It was a very different world for England's women players back then with minimal support, preparation and coverage.

But the class of 2015 don't get a pair of shorts as snazzy as these do they?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, @viewfromadaddy

View From A Daddy: We're ready to cheer on England!

Bunting up? Drinks on ice? Stocked to the gunnels with savoury snacks?

This edition of the Women's World Cup is being beamed out to a potential television audience of one billion people.

If you are one of those who will be tuning in, BBC World want to hear from you.

The Have Your Say section are collecting snaps and stories from around the world.

Image source, @carlytelford1

England and Notts County goalkeeper Carly Telford: You have a dream....and if you want it enough you can make it happen. Don't let anyone or anything stop you!

Former England defender Danny Mills on BBC Two

"It is vital England start well. They are playing the group favourites but losing will put them on the back foot. I think it will be a cagey affair."

Image source, Getty Images

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo never got to lock horns on the same pitch at Brazil 2014.

However, two players who have been likened to the world's best men are thrown together in the group stages later tonight.

In the CR7 corner: Brazil's Marta - the joint leading scorer at the Women's World Cup with 14 goals - is a regular alongside Ronaldo at the top table of Fifa's annual big bash having won the women's world player of the year award five times.

Representing Lionel: South Korea's Ji So-Yun has been nicknamed "Ji Messi" in her homeland after scoring her first international goal at 15 and was voted the PFA player of the year this season for her performances for Chelsea.

Learn more about the characters and clashes that will decide the tournament in our Women's World Cup guide.

Kayleigh Churchyard: Just a point would be great against France. Going to be a tough game for the England ladies!

Ben Taylorson: Come on England! Do yourselves proud.

Ashleigh Head: Come on girls - bring that trophy home.

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

Image source, EPA

England manager Mark Sampson speaking to BBC Sport: "I'm focused on the team, it is the biggest day in a lot of our players' careers and we are excited by the challenge. And what a challenge it is -playing against this wonderful French team, one of the tournament favourites."

Image source, Reuters

Double-breasted? A rolled collar? A playful hint of wrist?

It certainly suits Everton manager Roberto Martinez, but Mark Sampson, who was a coach at Swansea during the Spaniard's time in south Wales, is more of an anorak man apparently.

"He watched so much football - any match around the world, he would know about it," Corinne Yorston, who played under Sampson for Bristol Academy, told BBC Sport.

"He was always showing us video clips of different teams - Borussia Dortmund were a favourite - and would show us how he wanted us to adopt those philosophies in our game."

Learn more about the 32-year-old Welshman at England's helm.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City defender Steph Houghton is winning her 54th England cap but the 27-year-old has some serious work to do if she is to catch Liverpool midfielder Fara Williams, who is making her 140th appearance for her country.

Manchester United defender Phil Jones: Best of luck to the England women's team in their first game at the @FIFAWWC.

Arsenal defender Calum Chambers: Good luck to England women's football team later against France!

Image source, @toni_duggan

It seems ages ago since England's World Cup qualifying campaign started with a 6-0 thrashing of Belarus at Bournemouth's Dean Court in September 2013.

More than 50 goals scored and just one conceded in qualifying - now it is time for the real thing.

And Manchester City striker Toni Duggan clearly cannot wait to get the campaign in Canada under way judging by her tweet earlier today.

Image source, .

You can watch the match live on the BBC Sport website and BBC Two, whose coverage starts in a few moments at 17:30 BST.

Jacqui Oatley will lead the TV coverage with guests including Arsenal and England midfielder Rachel Yankey, Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie and former Manchester City and England defender Danny Mills.

Click at the top to get the pictures rolling.

You have been getting itchy on your voting fingers, telling us how far you think England will go in the tournament.

Time for some explanation.

Do England lack the experience to trouble the top guns? Or do you think that the pace and goals of Eni Aluko could see the Lionesses go all the way?

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

Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Moncton

"England haven't beaten France since 1974 but in contrast to their last match of Euro 2013 against Les Bleues, they don't need to today. England were mauled 3-0 two years ago, but with other Group F rivals Mexico and Colombia ranked well below England, head coach Mark Sampson may primarily choose to avoid defeat.

"Word from my French colleagues on L'Equipe newspaper is that Marie Laure Delie's omission is because she has been coming back from a knee injury and has had some private problems at her club, Paris St-Germain."

BBC Radio 5 live

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Caroline Barker will be presenting BBC Radio 5 live's coverage from Moncton from 17:55 BST. The commentator is Ian Brown with former England keeper Rachel Brown-Finnis.

Click on the 'Live coverage' tab to listen.

England and France are in Group F, which is completed by Colombia and Mexico.

Things should get a little easier for England after tonight's game. While France are ranked third in the world, Mexico, who England play on 13 June, and Colombia, who they meet on 17 June, are 25th and 28th respectively.

If the group goes according to those rankings, England - ranked sixth in the world - will pick up one of two automatic qualification spots for the last 16.

If they end up third in the standings, they could yet make the next round. But only if they have a better record than the third-placed team in Groups B and E.

And no wants to be digging around for goal-difference calculations.

Image source, @Tony_Leighton

Women's football reporter Tony Leighton: Moncton's ready, England & France are ready, let's go #WWC2015 Group F - 2pm local time, 6pm UK - come on England!

Image source, @katiegbbc

BBC Sport's Katie Gornall: Game day! England and France players have been out on the turf. Now just waiting for fans to arrive in the stadium.

Alistair Magowan
BBC Sport in Moncton

Image source, Getty Images

"The wind has got up here in Moncton this morning. Not sure how it will affect England's play but it might make it difficult for defenders to judge any long balls. The artificial pitches have already given an advantage to attackers in this tournament as the ball can stick quite well when it is played over the top."