England’s European title defence got off to a disappointing start as Sarina Wiegman’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat to France in their Euro 2025 Group D opener in Zurich.
Touted as the most challenging fixture of the group stage, this clash between two tournament heavyweights lived up to expectations – but it was France who asserted dominance, exposing weaknesses in England’s line-up and leaving the reigning champions with plenty to reflect on.
Despite a lively opening spell, England struggled to maintain momentum. Chelsea star Lauren James returned to the starting XI and provided flashes of brilliance early on, but the Lionesses failed to convert pressure into goals.
Alessia Russo appeared to break the deadlock after pouncing on a rebound from Lauren Hemp’s shot, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside in the build-up involving Beth Mead.
From then on, France seized control. Marie-Antoinette Katoto opened the scoring in the 36th minute, capitalising on a loose ball in the box. Just minutes later, Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead with a clinical finish, punishing England’s defensive lapses.
The Lionesses pulled one back late on through a stunning long-range effort from Keira Walsh in the 87th minute – her second goal in 88 appearances – reigniting faint hopes of a comeback. But despite late pressure during stoppage time, England were unable to salvage a point.
France, ranked 10th in the world, delivered a commanding performance, sending a clear message about their title credentials in Switzerland.
Meanwhile, England, the defending champions, became the first title holders to lose their opening game in a Women’s European Championship – and the first to lose their group-stage opener since 2013.
Much of the pre-match attention focused on the attacking prowess of both sides. Lauren James looked sharp early on, narrowly missing with an effort after just a minute and later delivering a teasing cross that narrowly evaded Hemp at the far post.
However, it was France’s forward line that stole the spotlight. Baltimore, in particular, shone against England’s defence and outplayed her Chelsea team-mate Lucy Bronze throughout the first half.
The 25-year-old winger, who impressed throughout the Women’s Super League season, was in electric form – stretching England’s back line, beating defenders with ease, and netting in her sixth consecutive competitive match for France.
England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, making her tournament debut, was kept busy as France continued to exploit the flanks. Defensively, England were second-best, with Jess Carter often caught out by France’s relentless press and overlapping full-backs, particularly Elisa De Almeida.
While England lacked standout performances, James showed promise in spells, and Russo worked hard in a lone striker role.
Though a setback, there is precedent for recovery – seven teams have previously progressed in the Euros after losing their opening group game. Wiegman, who had never lost a European Championship match before this encounter, will need to regroup swiftly if the Lionesses are to mount a serious defence of their crown.
