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2mo ago

England Fall 2-1 to France in Euro Opener, Ending Wiegman’s Unbeaten Run

Sarina Wiegman’s side must win their remaining group matches to avoid an early exit from Euro 2025

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Group A - Norway v Finland - Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland - July 6, 2025 Finland's Joanna Tynnila in action with Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen REUTERS/Annegret Hilse
England were defeated by France but next they face the Netherlands. (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty)
Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Group A - Switzerland v Iceland - Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland - July 6, 2025 Switzerland's Geraldine Reuteler scores their first goal past Iceland's Cecilia Runarsdottir REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
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Overview

  • England conceded two first-half goals to Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore before Keira Walsh scored a late consolation in Zurich.
  • The defeat broke Wiegman’s flawless 12-match record at European Championship finals and made England the first reigning champions to lose their opening group game.
  • Captain Leah Williamson criticised “cheap emotional defending” for allowing France’s pace and power to dominate early on.
  • Wiegman stood by her decision to start Lauren James, describing her selection as a choice rather than a mistake despite the team’s struggles.
  • Sitting bottom of Group D, England face must-win fixtures against the Netherlands on Wednesday and Wales in their final match to keep their title defence alive.