France defeated England 3-1 in a women's international friendly on Friday in a perfect confidence boost ahead of tackling world champions United States next week. Sandy Baltimore, in the 32nd minute, Viviane Asseyi, with a 63rd-minute penalty, and a strike from Marie-Antoinette Katoto eight minutes from time secured the win. However, the French suffered a nervy conclusion when Fran Kirby scored with a 79th-minute penalty before Keira Walsh hit the post two minutes later. France next meet the United States in Le Havre on Tuesday. bur/dj