England began their defence of the European Championship with a 2-1 defeat to France in Zurich, ending Sarina Wiegman's unbeaten record in major tournament group stages. Goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore gave France a deserved victory, despite a late strike from Keira Walsh.
The Lionesses started brightly, with Lauren James firing over inside 39 seconds after a swift counter-attack. Alessia Russo thought she had opened the scoring in the 16th minute, but her goal was ruled out for a marginal offside after a VAR review. France grew into the game thereafter, exploiting space on the flanks.
France took the lead in the 38th minute when Georgia Stanway's loose pass was intercepted, allowing Delphine Cascarino to cross for Katoto to finish coolly. Six minutes later, Baltimore doubled the lead after a defensive mix-up between Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson, slotting home from close range.
England improved after the hour mark but struggled to create clear chances. Walsh's 72nd-minute strike from a corner gave the holders hope, but they could not find an equaliser. The defeat leaves England with work to do in a tough group featuring France, Netherlands, and Portugal.
