This is better from USA as they go through a load of phases. They win a penalty.

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Alev Kelter drags Meg Jones into touch. Not many do that.

So silly from USA as they give away a free-kick. Second chance for England.

Turnover! Well, I am sorry. USA get in and disrupt England's maul.

England pop a penalty into the corner. I sense a second try.

USA are unable to make any inroads. Lots of ball for little reward.

England go off on the attack again.

Penalty to England. It is drilled into USA's 22.

It was all USA until they kicked it away. Emma Sing takes it brilliantly in the air and off go England.

Nice kick up the touchline from Mia Venner.

Here we go. The pre-game tunes have ended. We are under way.

England’s near six-year reign atop the World Rugby Women's Rankings will end if they lose to USA and New Zealand beat France on Saturday.

The Red Roses have occupied the number one spot since November 2020.

Sports Illustrated Stadium holds 25,000 people. Sadly it is very empty.

Image source, PA Media

Sadia Kabeya scored the first try in the ninth minute as England got their World Cup campaign under way with an emphatic win in front of 42,723 fans at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

Ellie Kildunne was the player of the match with two superb tries and celebrated both of her tries with her cowboy-style dance.

• England's record against USA reads 21 wins and one defeat from 22 matches
• That loss came in the first meeting between the sides in the 1991 World Cup final at Cardiff Arms Park, which the USA won 19-6
• The Red Roses won 69-7 at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in the sides' most recent meeting last August in the pool stage of the World Cup
• England's biggest win against the USA is a 89-0 victory at Sixways Stadium in November 2021
• England won 38-5 in San Diego in June 2019 - the last time the teams played each other in the United States

The United States have won five games in a row for the first time in two decades.

Their five-match winning run started with a 26-19 victory over South Africa in Pretoria in July.

Wins over Ireland, Wales and Italy (twice) have followed.

Not bad....

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BBC iPlayer

Our iPlayer coverage for the game has just started.

You can also watch through the BBC Sport website & app.

Ben Holden is on commentary with Brianna Kim.

Social media sensation Ilona Maher returned to sevens after competing in last year's Women's Rugby World Cup for the United States.

The 30-year-old faced England in the opening game of the tournament at Stadium of Light.

Will she be watching on?

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