England’s title defence at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 began on a sour note as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to France in their opening Group D clash in Zurich.
Widely billed as the toughest fixture in the group, the match offered an early litmus test for Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses — and they came up short against a sharp and clinical French side.
Despite a promising opening spell and flashes of brilliance from Chelsea star Lauren James — who returned to the starting XI after injury concerns — England failed to exert sustained pressure or control.
The Lionesses thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half when Alessia Russo tucked in the rebound from a Lauren Hemp effort, but VAR chalked it off for offside in the build-up against Beth Mead.
That disallowed goal proved a turning point.
France took charge and were rewarded in the 36th minute when striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto bundled in from close range. Just three minutes later, Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead with a composed finish after a sweeping French move.
Keira Walsh offered England a glimmer of hope with a thunderous long-range strike in the 87th minute — her second international goal in 88 appearances, first at a major tournament. The Lionesses piled on late pressure in added time, but a French equaliser never came.
Main Talking Point
This clash between two European heavyweights was billed as an early benchmark — and France passed the test with flying colours. Ranked 10th in the world, they outclassed the reigning champions with superior pace, movement, and execution.
England, by contrast, looked disjointed at times. While the return of Lauren James was a boost, the Lionesses lacked fluency in midfield and left gaps at the back which France expertly exploited — particularly down the flanks.
Sarina Wiegman’s side, once famed for their organisation and control, looked second-best in key moments and now face real pressure heading into their second group game.
Player Performances
France’s Sandy Baltimore was the standout performer. The Chelsea winger was relentless down the left, repeatedly getting the better of club teammate Lucy Bronze. Her dribbling, acceleration, and link-up play caused England constant problems — and her composed first-half strike underlined her growing international pedigree. She has now scored in six consecutive competitive matches for France.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto was also a constant threat in and around the box, while Elisa De Almeida provided a dangerous outlet on the right, exposing England’s defensive vulnerabilities — particularly in transitions.
For England, Lauren James showed glimpses of her quality early on, while Alessia Russo worked tirelessly up front. Keira Walsh’s late goal was a rare moment of inspiration, but few others truly stood out.
Key Stats
England became the first reigning champions to lose their opening match at the next Women’s European Championship. This was their first group-stage loss at a Euros since 2013. Sarina Wiegman suffered her first defeat as a manager at a European Championship, having won all 12 of her previous matches — six each with the Netherlands and England. Sandy Baltimore has now scored in six consecutive competitive matches for France.
Despite the loss, history offers England some hope — seven teams have gone on to progress from the group stage after losing their opener in previous tournaments.
What’s Next?
England must bounce back quickly as they prepare to face the Netherlands — another stern test — back at Stadion Letzigrund on Wednesday, 8 July at 17:00 BST.
France, meanwhile, will aim to strengthen their grip on Group D when they meet tournament debutants Wales later that evening at 20:00 BST.