France Outclasses England 2-1 in Euro 2025 Opener as Lionesses Stumble

France Put Lionesses on the Back Foot in Euro 2025 Opener

Opening night jitters? England's Euro 2025 campaign started with a stutter as they fell 2-1 to a slick French side in Group D. France didn’t just win on the scoreboard—they looked a class apart for most of the evening. Their sharp movements, tight passing, and seemingly telepathic play left the Lionesses scrambling for answers almost from the first whistle.

England, hoping to set the tone as defending champions, instead looked far from the side that lifted the trophy. Manager Sarina Wiegman, so often the picture of calm authority, was visibly frustrated on the touchline. Her squad couldn’t find their gears in attack. Passes sailed astray, runs went unspotted, and the French midfield just seemed to have an extra gear. England's attack barely left a mark, with the frustrating statline of zero shots on target until the closing minutes.

French cohesion was the story. Their players zipped forward and snapped into challenges with purpose. Every pass seemed to have a plan, and England could never quite force their way into dangerous areas. As the French stacked up their lead, Wiegman’s options were limited—her changes came late, but by then, the rhythm was set.

Late Efforts Not Enough as Title Holders Feel the Pressure

The introduction of bench players like Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang finally gave the Lionesses a sliver of hope as time ticked away. Suddenly, England showed flashes—bites of energy, quick forward balls, a little more bite in the box. Keira Walsh’s goal in the 87th minute brought the English crowd to its feet for a moment, the only time France looked rattled. But by then, the damage was done.

France, content to absorb late pressure, managed the final minutes with composure—never looking truly threatened even as England pushed numbers forward. The French team celebrated at the final whistle, knowing their assured Euro 2025 start puts them just one win against Wales away from the knockouts. England walked off with more questions than answers, now carrying the weight of a must-get result against the Netherlands in their next game.

The pressure on Wiegman and her squad is real. For the first time in the Euros, the Lionesses coach tasted defeat. Some tactical freshening—and perhaps a rethink up front—may be on order. England fans will hope this stinging loss sparks a fire, not a downward spiral, as their title defense hangs in the balance.