Reigning champions England began the 2007 World Cup with an unconvincing 28-10 win against the United States in Pool A at the Stade Felix Bollaert.
It was only when the Eagles were reduced to 14 men towards the end of the first half that Jason Robinson - who scored England's last World Cup try in the 2003 final - and Olly Barkley crossed the Americans' line.
Barkley, playing in place of the injured Jonny Wilkinson at out-half, also kicked 13 points in a poor showing ahead of Friday's crunch game against South Africa.
But the Eagles deservedly had the final say thanks to a 74th- minute try from replacement forward Matekitonga Moeakiola, which captain Mike Hercus converted, after England No 8 Lawrence Dallaglio had been sin-binned.
There was a general lack of sharpness about much of England's play, compared to that shown by tournament favourites New Zealand during their rout of Italy earlier in the day.
Nevertheless, Barkley gave England the lead with a fifth-minute penalty only for Hercus to counter from the re-start.
And it was the US who nearly scored the game's first try when out-half Hercus intercepted a stray pass and broke clear.
As he ran out of pace, he found centre Paul Emerick, who appeared to be tripped illegally by England captain Phil Vickery. But the prop escaped punishment from referee Jonathan Kaplan.
England, as has often been the case during their post-2003 slump, saw several moves in open play break down with the all-round form of Barkley providing some consolation.
England reverted to their familiar tactics of the cross-kick and rolling maul before US centre Vahafolau Esikia was yellow-carded for hands in a ruck.
Barkley's ensuing penalty was the prelude to a pair of tries which helped secure a 21-3 half-time lead.
First, centre Mike Catt's cross-kick set up Robinson. Then lock Ben Kay released Barkley for a converted try.
Flanker Tom Rees powered his way over for a third try early in the second-half - England's last score of the game.
Eagles wing Salesi Sika went close, knocking on in sight of the line after a tackle from centre Jamie Noon. But they had the satisfaction of seeing Moaekiola make the most of a series of close-range penalties.
Scorers:
England - Tries: Jason Robinson, Olly Barkley, Tom Rees. Conversions: Olly Barkley (2). Penalties: Barkley (3).
Yellow card: Lawrence Dallaglio (74)
USA - Try: Matekitonga Moeakiola. Conversion: Mike Hercus. Penalty: Hercus.
Yellow cards: Vahafolau Esikia (30), Paul Emerick (80+1)
