England’s defence of the Women’s European Championship opened with a shock, as France struck twice before halftime and held on for a 2-1 win that changes the picture in Group D.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto put France ahead in the 36th minute after Élisa De Almeida won possession and released Delphine Cascarino, who crossed for a close-range finish. Three minutes later, Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead with a solo run and a finish from a tight angle.
For England, the pressure is now on after a night that ended Sarina Wiegman’s unbeaten run at Euro finals. Wiegman had won the tournament with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022, but France forced the defending champions into a chase almost from the start.
England did not register a shot on target until the 87th minute, when Keira Walsh’s long-range strike cut the deficit and sparked a late push. Alessia Russo and Grace Clinton both went close, while substitute Michelle Agyemang had an effort blocked by Selma Bacha as France protected the lead.
Wiegman told ITV that England made the game harder by trying to play short through France’s pressure. “We needed to get out of the first press and skip (a player), and that harmed us a bit and they scored goals,” she said. “At the end we played with four attackers, we really tried to get the goal over the line, but we didn’t.”
The result leaves the Netherlands top of Group D after their 3-0 win over Wales earlier Saturday. England face the Dutch on Wednesday, while France can move toward the knockout stage against Wales the same day.
England captain Leah Williamson said the team had to own the errors quickly. “Everyone take responsibility for themselves and have a look. Tomorrow we have a new game plan, different places available and different opposition,” she said.
