England's Lionesses began their European title defense with a 2-1 loss against France, causing concerns about their future in a difficult tournament group. After a powerful start, the team faded, allowing France's Katoto and Baltimore to score, despite Walsh's late goal giving England a glimmer of hope. The match highlighted tactical decisions, including the omission of French captain Renard. Historically struggling in the Euros, France's win points to potential shifts in team dynamics and performance. England, the reigning champions, must regroup to ensure they progress further in the competition.
The Lionesses kicked off their European title defence with a 2-1 defeat by an impressive France team, delivering Sarina Wiegman's first major tournament defeat outside of a final.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore delivered for a resurgent France, Keira Walsh's late strike reducing the reigning champions' blushes.
England showed promising and pressing play at the start, but their performance fell away, leaving them with much work to do in a challenging group.
The ferocity with which England burst out of the blocks will not have eased French nerves, who were fortunate to avoid going behind early in the match.
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