Overview

• France dominated key metrics, winning duels 53-36, outmatching England’s expected goals 2.22-0.91 and creating four big chances to none.
• England did not land a shot on target until the 87th minute when Keira Walsh offered a brief lifeline.
• Sarina Wiegman acknowledged her team “played themselves out of the game” and noted tactical gambles such as starting Lauren James over Ella Toone backfired.
• The defeat is the Lionesses’ first opening-group loss as reigning European champions and marks Wiegman’s first Euros finals setback.
• England now need victories in their remaining Group D fixtures to reach the knockout stage, with the Netherlands and Wales up next.