England are into the knockout phase of the Women's World Cup after victory over Colombia at Montreal's Olympic Stadium.

Mark Sampson's side were denied top spot in Group F, however, after France's emphatic win against Mexico, which saw Les Bleus finish first on goal difference.

It was Colombia who started brightly after Lady Andrade skilfully shook off the attention of Jordan Nobbs and squared the ball for Daniela Montoya, but her strike failed to trouble Karen Bardsley.

Instead, it was England who forged an early advantage after keeper Sandra Sepulveda failed to hold Steph Houghton's free kick and Karen Carney was on hand to tuck in the rebound for her second goal in as many matches at the tournament.

The Three Lions were awarded a penalty late in the first half for a hand ball by Carolina Arias. Liverpool midfielder Fara Williams calmly stepped up and slotted the ball beyond the reach of Sepulveda's outstretched right hand.

England almost added a third goal soon after the restart when Alex Scott broke into the right-hand side of the area, but the Arsenal defender was unable to hit the target.

Colombia tried to find a way back into the game and almost found it after Yoreli Rincon's well-struck shot from distance was inches away from nestling in the top corner.

The South Americans may consider themselves lucky to finish the game with 11 women when Sepulveda committed a foul outside her area on Jodie Taylor, although the keeper is set to miss Colombia's second-round match with the USA.

Colombia did pull a goal back in stoppage time through Lady Andrade, who neatly lobbed Bardsley. However, England were able to hold on to set up a last-16 clash with Norway.