A city rebuilt in reinforced concrete after its flattening in the Second World War had always seemed to be an appropriate place to deliver defensive might, though after a monumental effort England finally broke down the wall to guarantee their progress to the World Cup's knock-out stage on Friday night.
For the second time in this tournament, theirs was not a convincing performance but the win will more than do after an hour of Argentinian resistance. A 60-yard move of pinpoint accuracy was the decisive one. It was finished off by forward Jodie Taylor but delivered by the left foot of Beth Mead, who showed more evidence that she could be a defining player if England can venture deep into this tournament.
A draw against Japan in Nice on Wednesday would deliver them the far easier road to a Lyons semi-final, with one of the group stage's third round sides, possibly New Zealand, in the round of 16 and conceivably Norway or Australia after that. It all looks manageable if Neville's players can begin to find a rhythm.
Jodie Taylor's outstretched leg sent England to victory as the Lionessess made it back-to-back wins at the World Cup
The 33-year-old forward had worked herself into space in the area and as the ball came across she had an open goal to aim at
Taylor's goal sparked wild celebrations between her and her team-mates after Argentina proved difficult to break down
Even when the goal was scored, England boss Phil Neville urged his players to push on for more as he refused to relax at 1-0
The Argentine defender Adriana Sachs had hinted that there was needle, where this particular old foe is concerned, but England had not anticipated quite such a level of physical challenge. It was bordering on assault at times in the first half.
Lucy Bronze – put into the air by Miriam Mayorga as they went for one challenge and shoved towards the touchline by Aldana Cometti in the only offence which earned a booking - bore the most obvious blows. But there was a malicious kind of malice, too. Ruth Bravo placed studs into Jill Scott's boots as she waited to compete for a clearance.
England were unsettled, thrown out their rhythm, struggling to get into the final third and find any kind of accuracy from crosses. Fran Kirby, the player they most look to for delivery in the tight pockets of space, operated deep in central midfield. Neville exhorts his players to be brave and break the tactical lines with forward passes but despite England's first half domination – 152 passes to the South Americans' 27 – they too often went square.
Nikita Parris was handed a golden chance to give England a first half lead after Neville's side were awarded a penalty
But Parris' side-footed effort to the right was read by Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa and she saved the spot-kick
There was delight from her team-mates after her moment of brilliance ensured the South American side stayed in the game
Parris let out a cry of sheer frustration on a night where the Lionesses were continually frustrated in attack in Le Havre
Neville was animated on the touchline and continued throughout to issue words of advice and encouragement to his players
England: Telford 7, Bronze 6, Houghton 7, McManus 6, Greenwood 7, Mead 8 (Stanway 81), Moore 6, Scott 6, Kirby 7, Taylor 7, Parris 6 (Daly 87).
Subs not used: Bardsley, Walsh, Bright, Stokes,
