Lionesses: Sarina Wiegman bemoans England's tactical indiscipline in France defeat | OneFootball

The Lionesses were roundly beaten in their Euros opener

Sarina Wiegman bemoaned England's sloppiness in possession as they made a disappointing start to their European Championship defence against France on Saturday night.

England started with intensity, but an ultimately frustrating performance was marked by mistakes in possession as France pressed home their superiority.

Wiegman said she thought England, who had Alessia Russo's 16th-minute strike ruled out for offside, started well but admitted the Lionesses played into France's hands, gifting them the ball on several occasions.

"I think we started really well, and then we started playing short passes. That's what they wanted, because they wanted to press. So, we needed to get in behind them and try to skip players. And then when we were out of that press, we were too sloppy. And that didn't help us. It did help them," Wiegman said at full-time.

Her claims were seconded by captain Leah Williamson, who said the team found it difficult dealing with France on the counter.

"I think when you lose the ball and you're that expensive, like we're losing it really cheaply, and then you're in emergency defending, and when you've done four or five in a row counterattacks against quality like that, it is tough," Williamson said pitchside at Stadion Letzigrund.

Things get no easier for England as they face the Netherlands on Wednesday with their title defence on the line, and Wiegman said her side can't afford to make as many mistakes as they did against France if they want to get their Euros campaign back on track.

"I think we can do better, definitely, and we have to make it a little bit easier for ourselves. Because of the nature of this group, it's so tough. You can't afford to make any more mistakes going forward. Those are the facts. We have to step up."