England’s Euros defence begins on a frustrating note
France 2 - 1 England
England’s European title defence began on a frustrating note as they slipped to a defeat against France in their heavyweight Group D opener in Zurich.
Author | Olivia T
Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund
Touted as the toughest fixture of the group stage for Sarina Wiegman’s side, it proved to be every bit the challenge they expected but England never truly looked up to it.
There were promising flashes in the opening exchanges, with Chelsea’s Lauren James, fit enough to start, offering a glimpse of her talent. But despite a bright few minutes and a disallowed goal from Alessia Russo, chalked off by VAR for an offside against Beth Mead, England struggled to impose themselves for long spells.
France seized control from there. Marie-Antoinette Katoto bundled in the opener after 36 minutes and Chelsea forward Sandy Baltimore doubled their advantage just three minutes later. By that stage, England looked unlikely to mount a comeback.
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Keira Walsh did offer a late spark, her superb long-range strike in the 87th minute giving the Lionesses hope and setting up a nervy finish for France. But despite piling on the pressure in stoppage time, an equaliser never came.
Where did it go wrong for England?
France’s first-half goals from Katoto and Baltimore were enough to see them over the line, with England left to reflect on a performance that exposed some uncomfortable truths.
Outmanoeuvred in midfield, sluggish in defence and second best in one-on-one situations, England were punished by a France side who showed the clinical edge their opponents lacked. The midfield, in particular, was overrun, with Georgia Stanway and Walsh unable to cope with the French press and sharp counter-attacks.
Until Walsh’s late strike, England had failed to register a shot on target, a statistic that underlined their struggles going forward.
The result may also have raised a few eyebrows among the French media, many of whom had dismissed their side’s chances after the injury withdrawal of key defender Griedge Mbock. But France, now under the stewardship of Laurent Bonadei, looked organised and hungry.
Bonadei admitted Lauren James’s early influence unsettled his players, but was quick to praise his team’s response, saying they were able to control the game from that point on and that physically it was not easy for England.
Can England turn it around?
Captain Leah Williamson acknowledged that England left themselves open to waves of French attacks, pointing to carelessness in possession as a key factor. But she insisted there is no need to panic, believing their tactical approach was the right one despite the result.
With this expected to be the sternest test of the group stage, England still have time to regroup. Previous meetings in Euro 2025 qualifying demonstrated France’s quality but also showed that the Lionesses are capable of matching them on their day.
France, ranked 10th in the world, have often flattered to deceive at major tournaments. But under Bonadei, there is a sense they are building something more resilient and their hunger for success was plain to see.
For England, there is little margin for further missteps if they are to defend their crown.
