England vs France: Lionesses Slip in Euro 2025 Start

England vs France opened Group A of the Women’s Euro 2025 with a shock 2-1 French victory that leaves the reigning champions already playing catch-up. Goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore inside a ruthless 13-minute spell stunned Sarina Wiegman’s side, and although Keira Walsh halved the deficit late on, the damage was done in front of a packed Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

England vs France — How the Drama Unfolded

Wiegman named an attack-minded XI, pairing Alessia Russo with Beth England up front, yet England vs France quickly tilted in Les Bleues’ favour. On 18 minutes, Selma Bacha whipped in a wicked cross that Katoto met with a bullet header. The Lionesses struggled to reset before Baltimore doubled the advantage, curling beyond Mary Earps after Delphine Cascarino pounced on a stray pass. England vs France was threatening to run away, and only a superb Millie Bright block denied Katoto a first-half brace.

Tactical Tale of Two Halves

England vs France saw Wiegman switch to a back three after the interval, pushing Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly higher. Possession improved, Georgia Stanway began to dictate tempo, and Lauren James rattled the bar with a 25-metre rocket. Eventually pressure told: Russo drew a foul 25 yards out, Stanway’s free-kick was palmed away, and Walsh crashed home the rebound with seven minutes left. Yet France, superbly marshalled by Wendie Renard, held firm.

Key Stats From the Contest

• Shots: England 15, France 11
• On target: England 5, France 6
• Possession: England 56 %, France 44 %
• Expected Goals (xG): England 1.37, France 1.54
• Pass accuracy: England 83 %, France 79 %

Stand-Out Performers

Marie-Antoinette Katoto: Lethal movement unsettled Bright and Williamson; her opener set the tone.
Selma Bacha: Two assists and tireless running down the left turned England vs France into a personal showcase.
Keira Walsh: Drove England’s belated comeback attempt, finishing smartly and completing 92 % of her passes.

What the Result Means for Group A

England vs France hands Hervé Renard’s team pole position, three points clear of the defending champions. With Netherlands defeating Wales earlier, Wednesday’s England vs Netherlands clash now feels like a must-win. France, meanwhile, can seal early qualification by beating Wales.

Manager Reactions

Wiegman: “We paid for a sloppy spell. The response after half-time was positive, but England vs France is always decided on details and we lost those details.”
Renard: “Our intensity in transition was key. We respected England yet believed we could hurt them. This is only step one.”

Historical Context

This defeat marks England’s first opening-match loss at a Women’s Euro since 2005 and ends a run of 16 competitive games unbeaten. England vs France in major tournaments now reads: Played 6, England wins 1, France wins 4, Draws 1. The Lionesses must quickly banish the hoodoo.

Looking Ahead

• 26 June: England vs Netherlands, Rome, 20:00 CET
• 27 June: France vs Wales, Milan, 17:00 CET

Injury Watch

Leah Williamson limped off with an ankle knock and is doubtful for Wednesday. Fran Kirby, unused here, is expected to feature after managing her knee workload.

Opinion: A Wake-Up Call the Lionesses Needed

England vs France laid bare two realities: England remain technically gifted but can still be bullied in transition, and France’s new-found composure under Renard makes them genuine title threats. The Lionesses’ path is tougher now, yet adversity has fuelled them before; write them off at your peril.