The Lionesses fell to a disappointing defeat in their opening Euro 2025 match against France on Saturday evening to become the first-ever defending champion to lose their opening game.
England started the game with attacking potency and intent, particularly through Lauren James, who posed a serious threat to France with her line-breaking runs.
But, it was Alessia Russo who found the breakthrough, as she was quickest on her feet after goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin spilled Lauren Hemp’s shot.
The goal, after VAR review, was disallowed for offside by a hairbreadth.
England were well-beaten against France on Saturday evening
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Lightly, it was controversial, but England never really recovered.
Both wide players for France, Delphine Cascarino and Sandu Baltimore, grew significantly into the game with England's full backs, Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter struggling to cope and Les Bleues swung the momentum their way.
And indeed the goal came through Marie-Antoinette Katoto, after France caught England through the wings yet again, with Cascarino laying it on a plate for the 26 year-old to tap in, with Leah Williamson and Hannah Hampton nowhere to be seen to intercept the whipped delivery.
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Marie-Antoinette Katoto tapped home after a brilliant delivery from Delphine Cascarino
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France then doubled their lead after some calamitous defending from the Lionesses.
Bronze found herself out of position, as Baltimore drove into the space that had been vacated by Bronze and covered by Williamson.
In recovering, Bronze fell over and knocked the ball into the feet of Baltimore, who still had a lot to do - but she did it all by smashing the ball into the top corner, far beyond the reach of Hampton.
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Some of the interchange and play down the wings from fans was superb from Les Bleues, and England simply could not live with them throughout the game, with France threatening a third more than England mounting a comeback.
But, with just five minutes of time left Keira Walsh stepped up with a beautiful curling finish into the top corner from the edge of the box, England’s first shot on target of the match.
For the remaining minutes, England showed what they have been missing throughout the match: tenacity and intensity that France had all evening, but the Lionesses couldn’t capitalise on the goal, they had left it just too late and they fell to a 2-1 defeat.
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Keira Walsh produced a magical effort from the edge of the box to give the Lionesses hope
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The defeat gave Sarina Wiegman's side the unwanted history of becoming the first defending champion to lose the first of the tournament, and they can have no complaints at the result.
The controversial VAR decision will be a topic of discussion for Wiegman, who became increasingly animated on the touchline.
It came to a head after France's second goal was given after what the England boss felt was a foul on Russo on the halfway line, although the referee probably got that one right.
At the end of the game, Wiegman huddled her team on the pitch, as they now look towards a crunch match against Netherlands on Wednesday.
The Lionesses must take something from that game if they are to think about progressing from the group stage, and avoid a disastrous title defence.
There are positives, namely the opening period until the disallowed goal, and the final 10 minutes, but everything between was just a little bit sloppy.
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