The reigning European champions began their Euro 2025 campaign with a heavyweight clash against tournament dark horses France, and it may prove to be the game of the group stage.
For the victor, a crucial advantage in Group A. With both sides still to play a struggling Wales team, this felt like an early decider. And in truth, France took their chance. England didn’t.
If you haven’t seen the Lionesses since their Euro 2022 triumph, there are some new names, and none shine brighter than Lauren James. The Chelsea star glides through games with a composure and vision few in world football possess. She was at the heart of England’s best moments very early on, including a brilliant move that led to Beth Mead teeing up Alessia Russo for a tidy finish – only for VAR to rule Mead narrowly offside. No goal.
France responded instantly. As is so often the case, a disallowed goal gave them a psychological lift. England’s midfield began to unravel, sliced through with ease. The formation felt lopsided. The energy, absent.
A defensive lapse gifted France the breakthrough. After a turnover in midfield, Kadidiatou Diani surged forward before feeding Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who made no mistake. 1-0.
Minutes later, it was two. A poor clearance from Lucy Bronze allowed France to regain possession and Selma Bacha’s low cross found Baltimore, who fired home. England’s backline were statuesque, and Serena Wiegman’s team were in trouble.
Jess Carter struggled all night at left-back, repeatedly outmatched by the electric Delphine Cascarino. It was a mismatch France exploited ruthlessly.
At half-time, you wondered whether Wiegman would remind her players that no reigning women’s European champion has ever lost their opening game. That unwelcome record now belongs to England.
The second half brought marginal improvement. England built more possession, linked play better, but created next to nothing. Still without a shot on target, they looked a shadow of their title-winning selves.
Beth Mead’s careless pass nearly gifted France a third, but Hannah Hampton was alert, saving brilliantly before scrambling to gather the loose ball.
Wiegman responded with a triple substitution: Mead, James, and Carter made way for Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, and Niamh Charles. But it changed little. The disconnect in England’s shape remained. France sat deep, absorbed pressure, and looked more likely to score on the break.
Frustration grew. Toone was booked for a firm but fair challenge. Minutes later, England captain Leah Williamson was wiped out with a stamp to the back – unpunished. It summed up a frustrating night for England, not helped by inconsistent refereeing.
With 14 minutes to go, Grace Clinton was introduced for her major tournament debut. Michelle Agyemang followed with five minutes left, just 19 years old, with barely chance for a cup of coffee in senior minutes. But her presence in the box may have played a role in the goal that gave England hope.
Keira Walsh, of all people, found the net with a long strike, just her second goal in 88 England appearances. Suddenly it was 2-1. And France, were wobbling.
But the late flurry came too late. Despite five minutes of added time and a couple of half chances, the equaliser never came. France held firm. England were left to reflect on a disappointing night.
Let’s be clear. This defeat has been coming. Since the World Cup final two years ago, England’s performances have been patchy. The transition from the old guard has been uneven. And the sense of cohesion and structure that defined Wiegman’s early tenure has frayed.
Now, the Lionesses must regroup quickly. Lose to the Netherlands on Wednesday and their title defence is over.
This is new territory for a golden generation. A moment of reckoning. Let’s see how they respond.
