England started this summer’s Women’s World Cup as fourth favourites to seal glory following their SheBelieves Cup win earlier this year.
The were a goal to the good inside the first quarter of an hour after Lucy Bronze’s cross was handballed and Parris stepped up from the spot.
Parris, who’ll be playing in France with Lyon next season, was unerring as she fired past Lee Alexander in the Scotland goal.
Lionesses midfielder Leah Williamson had stated pre-match that she was under no illusions as to the threat Scotland posed to England in their Group D opener.
However, it looked set to be plain sailing for Phil Neville’s side when White doubled their lead just before the break.
The striker, who will replace Parris at Women’s Super League runners-up Manchester City, finished calmly from inside the box.
Scotland, desperate to avenge the 6-0 battering they were handed by England at the European Championships two years ago, made it tense late on when Claire Emslie bagged.
However, England managed to hold on against Shelley Kerr’s team to ensure they will face Argentina with a Women’s World Cup win to their name.