Euro 2025: England’s Title Defense Gets Off To A Rocky Start With France Defeat
1 min read
By Sportsgister
The Lionesses’ defense of their European title suffered a setback as they were defeated 2-1 by France in their Group D opener at the Euro 2025 in Zurich.
Despite a strong start and some moments of brilliance from Lauren James, England struggled to trouble the French defense for large parts of the match.
France took the lead through Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s close-range finish in the 36th minute, and Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead three minutes later.
England thought they had pulled one back when Alessia Russo scored from a rebound, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
However, Keira Walsh provided a late lifeline with an excellent long-range strike in the 87th minute, giving England hope. Despite late pressure, the Lionesses couldn’t find an equalizer.
France controlled the match, creating scoring opportunities and capitalizing on England’s mistakes.
James showed flashes of brilliance, but England’s attack lacked cohesion.
Walsh’s long-range goal gave England hope, but it was too little, too late.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
