Women’s World Cup 2019: Phil Neville defends England’s controversial early penalty against Scotland

Nikita Parris scored from the spot after a VAR review punished Nicola Docherty for handball

Phil Neville defended the controversial decision to award England an early penalty in their opening 2-1 group stage win over Scotland at the Women’s World Cup, claiming that his side could easily have been awarded two spot-kicks.

Nikita Parris converted to give the Lionesses a 14th-minute lead after a VAR review punished a handball by Nicola Docherty. Fran Kirby’s cross had brushed the full-back’s arm.

Though Docherty’s offence appeared unintentional, handballs no longer need to be deliberate in order to be punished. A new protocol penalises players whose arms or hands are in a position which makes their body “unnaturally bigger”, whether they intended to handle or not.

Neville only saw the incident in real time but expected that a penalty would be given. The England head coach later claimed that Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir was fortunate not to concede a second spot-kick for a similar offence.

“We’ve been given two talks by referees,” Neville said in his post-match press conference. “The two we’ve had, one by Fifa official and one in England by Sian Massey, both said that was going to be a penalty.

“I’ve not seen it, didn’t look. I just trusted that when the referee came over I thought it would be a penalty. I actually thought there was one after that was more blatant.

“We’ve asked for VAR to get correct decisions. I’ve got to say the composure of girl next to me [Parris, named player of the match] was world class. It got us off to a really good start.”

England dominated the first half and doubled their lead through Ellen White before half time, yet had to survive a late Scotland surge when Claire Emslie scored a consolation.

Nikita Parris scores from the spot (Getty)

Neville knows his side will have to play better if they are to be crowned world champions next month, but this opening victory contained enough promising moments to remain optimistic.

“We’ve got a long way to go,” he admitted, when asked whether he believed his side could win the World Cup. “I think what we’ve said in last week is we’ll give it our best shot.

“If we play to our full potential and show spirit and togetherness, then we’ve got a great chance of progressing in the tournament. The first game is the hardest. It’s Scotland.

England’s players celebrate the opening goal (Reuters) (REUTERS)

“What I loved was two meetings today, one on set plays, one on my final message, and players were so relaxed. They played with no fear. There should be no fear for this group.

“When I see them play as they did for first 60 minutes, we’re a good team. If we drop our levels, it makes life tougher.”