England held on to win 2-1 against Scotland in their inaugural Women's Nations League match.

Lucy Bronze and Lauren Hemp's first-half headers were just enough for victory at the Stadium of Light. 

Scotland hit back with a goal from Kirsty Hanson but the Lionesses kept their nerve to secure three points in their first match since the World Cup final loss.

The result puts England on three points in group A1 alongside Belgium, who beat the Netherlands 2-1.

Job done

After their World Cup heartbreak in the summer, it was vital England responded with a win.

It was far from convincing but the Lionesses are now off the mark in the Nations League.

Sarina Wiegman's side were the better team in the first half with two headers from Bronze and Hemp putting them in the driving seat.

Despite this early dominance, they were then second best for most of the match.

Hemp scores again

Hemp is getting in the habit of scoring for England. 

The Manchester City star scored three important goals at the World Cup and she bagged a fine header for the Lionesses' second. 

Rachel Daly, typically on the scoresheet herself, delivered a delightful ball which Hemp met with a thumping header. 

With so much competition in the forward positions, she is certainly making a case for being in the best XI. 

Brave Bronze

England's opener was a brilliant piece of work from Bronze. 

Katie Zelem, who only played 91 minutes at the World Cup, picked her out with a perfectly-weighted ball over the top. 

Bronze timed her run well and threw herself at the ball to head in the opener. 

The 31-year-old's brave efforts in the final third make her an excellent fit for her attacking wing-back role. 

Impressive Scotland

Despite many predicting this game would be extremely one-sided, Scotland put in a very good account of themselves. 

After conceding two quick goals, it would have been easy to collapse but they responded well. 

Just before the break, they got back in the game when Claire Emslie played a teasing ball towards Hanson, who fired past Mary Earps.

Pedro Martinez Losa's side dominated the second half, creating a lot of chances which forced the World Cup finalists to hang on for the three points. 

Hanson threat 

Hanson was a big threat for Scotland throughout.

She scored their only goal of the game and was incredibly unlucky not to score the all-important equaliser in the second half. 

The 25-year-old's closest opportunity was a volley that floated over Earps and clipped the bar.

However, she limped off in the dying seconds and looked to be in serious pain so Aston Villa will be hoping it is nothing serious with the Women's Super League season kicking off on October 1.