England enjoy a World Cup opening night demolition job

ENGLAND 69 USA 7, AT THE STADIUM OF LIGHT

- By REBECCA JOHNSON

ENGLAND began their World Cup campaign in style after running in 11 tries to beat the United States 69-7 at the Stadium of Light.

In front of a record-breaking crowd of 42,723, the number one ranked side in the world went ahead through Sadia Kabeya and Hannah Botterman, before Erica Jarrell-Searcy responded for the USA.

After Alev Kelter was shown yellow, Maud Muir and Ellie Kildunne scored in quick succession for England to lead 28-7 at the break.

In a ruthless second-half showing, the Red Roses went on to add a further seven tries as Abby Dow, Kildunne and Amy Cokayne all went over and Jess Breach and Lark Atkin-Davies each ran in braces.

England have now won 28 straight games and extended their winning run against the US to 21 matches.