Ireland handed McCabe injury scare before World Cup

But of greater concern to Ireland was the sight of McCabe leaving the field  just before the half-hour mark after appearing to roll her ankle.

Irish fans will hope McCabe's withdrawal was no more than a precaution with their World Cup opener against the Matildas only two weeks away.

Kyra Carusa thought she had given the hosts the perfect start at a sold out Tallaght Stadium after latching onto Sinead Farrelly's flick and finishing into the far corner.

But Carusa was adjudged to be offside despite replays suggesting she had timed her run well, leaving Ireland to curse VAR was not in operation.

Ireland, 17 spots below fifth-placed France on the FIFA world rankings, acquitted themselves well before adventurous full-back Lakrar converted from point-blank range in the first minute of first-half stoppage-time.

Le Sommer then collected Sakina Karchaoui's brilliant pass two minutes later to inflict more pain on Vera Pauw's side.

France dominated after the break and Lakrar punished weak home defending after 61 minutes by heading home Kenza Dali's corner.