Overview

• France secured a 2-1 victory over defending champions England in Zurich after weathering a late English rally.
• Coach Laurent Bonadei’s generational overhaul prioritised young talent and produced immediate defensive solidity.
• Twenty-one-year-old Alice Sombath excelled in her first major tournament start with key interventions at the back.
• The squad’s unity was on display when the players formed a circle during a pivotal VAR offside check on England’s disallowed goal.
• Bonadei stressed the importance of humility and preparation as Les Bleues shift focus to their match against Wales on July 9.