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Lauren James England Women 2025Getty Images
Ritabrata Banerjee

Lionesses make unwanted history after slipping to disappointing defeat in Euro 2025 opener against France

Reigning champions England got off to a disappointing start in the Women's European Championship as they went down 2-1 against France in their tournament opener on Saturday. Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore were on target for France in the first half, while Chelsea midfield star Keira Walsh scored a late consolation goal for the Lionesses.

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  • England scripted unwanted history
  • Went down 2-1 against France
  • Next face Netherlands on Wednesday
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    With the defeat in Zurich, England created an unwanted history as they became the first team in history to lose their opening match of the Euros as defending champions. The Lionesses won the title back in 2022, beating Germany in the final.

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  • Keira Walsh England Women 2025Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Sarina Wiegman's side made a bright start to the game and were the more dominant side right from the off. Alessia Russo even scored the opening goal in the 16th minute, but after a VAR check, the decision was overturned. France then scored twice in a span of three minutes just past the half-hour mark to seal the fate of the game.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    England, being placed in the group of death, have further complicated their path to the knockout stage with the loss in the opening game. They now need a result against Netherlands next week to avoid becoming the first defending champions in Euros history to crash out of the group stage.

  • Leah Williamson England 2025Getty

    WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

    Leah Williamson and Co will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on European giants Netherlands.