The build-up to the fixture had been dramatically overshadowed by the latest fall-out from the recent sacking of Mark Sampson, notably the appearance of a number of senior Football Association figures in front of a Select Committe of MP's during the week.
But interim manager Mo Marley was pleased with the display of her side against their traditional rivals, the game only being settled by an 89th-minute French winner.
As with the senior Men's team, friendlies such as these, against the hosts of the next World Cup, may provide more of an insight into England's prospects of success in the tournament than their qualifying games.
They resume in November, against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Walsall on Friday, 24 November and Kazakhstan at Colchester United on Tuesday, 28 November.
Tickets for both matches are priced at £10 for Adults and just £1 for Children and Concessions, with more details at the FA ticketing website.