France beat England in Euro 2025 opener | OneFootball

England's bid to retain their European crown began on the back foot, suffering a 2-1 loss to France in a heavyweight group-stage encounter in Zurich.

Coming into the match, all eyes were on Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses. As reigning European champions and recent World Cup runners-up, they were expected to set the tone. But it was Laurent Bonadei’s France who rose to the occasion - confident, composed, and clinical when it mattered.

The damage was done in just three blistering minutes. Marie-Antoinette Katoto, fresh from her move to OL Lyon, opened the scoring after a slick French move. Defender Elisa De Almeida sparked the attack by winning the ball high up the pitch and slipping Delphine Cascarino in behind. Cascarino’s low cross was inch-perfect, and Katoto made no mistake at the back post.

England barely had time to regroup before they were two down. Once again, France pounced on a loose pass, this time finding Sandy Baltimore, who drove forward, weaved through a pair of defenders, and fired a powerful strike beyond Hannah Hampton. It was scrappy, but it counted.

To their credit, the Lionesses rallied late on and gave themselves a lifeline. In the 87th minute, a half-cleared corner dropped to Keira Walsh on the edge of the box. The Barcelona midfielder took a touch, sized it up, and bent a stunning strike into the top corner. A glimmer of hope, but France held firm through a nervy closing spell.

A frustrating start for Wiegman’s side, who’ll now face the Netherlands in what suddenly looks a far trickier group than expected. France, meanwhile, will look to build on this impressive showing when they meet Wales next.