France edged previous England of their opening Euro 2025 conflict, choosing up a 2-1 win in a match that noticed drama, disallowed objectives, and a flurry of late probabilities for the Lionesses.
Targets from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore gave the hosts a first-half benefit that England couldn’t fairly get well from, regardless of a spirited second-half fightback and a purpose from Keira Walsh.
The match started at a frantic tempo, as either side regarded to impose themselves early. England had been the primary to threaten, with Lauren James narrowly lacking the goal within the opening minute following a neat setup from Alessia Russo.
Moments later, it appeared the Lionesses had taken the lead when Russo discovered the online within the sixteenth minute, however her purpose was chalked off after a VAR evaluation confirmed Beth Mead was offside within the buildup.
France capitalised on the reprieve, step by step rising into the sport and asserting management by means of the dynamic midfield duo of Grace Geyoro and Oriane Jean-Francois.
Their efforts paid off within the thirty sixth minute when Delphine Cascarino led a blistering counterattack, whipping in a cross for Katoto to fit dwelling from shut vary, giving France a 1-0 lead.
Simply three minutes later, the French doubled their benefit. This time it was Baltimore who reacted quickest contained in the six-yard field, smashing the ball into the highest nook after the England defence didn’t clear their traces.
Defeat in our #WEURO2025 opener.
Our focus shortly turns to Wednesday and matchday two. pic.twitter.com/FLeTWvoXMV
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 5, 2025
The Lionesses went into the break trailing 2-0, pissed off and with work to do.
England responded within the second half with a triple substitution simply earlier than the hour mark, introducing Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, and Niamh Charles.
These modifications added vitality to the guests’ assault, with Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead persevering with to pose issues down the flanks.
The match’s tempo remained excessive as either side exchanged blows. Katoto and Geyoro each went near extending France’s lead, however England keeper Hannah Hampton pulled off a high quality string of saves.
On the different finish, Ella Toone had two photographs blocked in fast succession after a harmful cross from Hemp, and Grace Clinton tried her luck from distance however missed the goal.
England lastly discovered a breakthrough within the 87th minute. Following a nook that France didn’t clear, Keira Walsh was available to rifle a right-footed shot previous Pauline Peyraud-Magnin and into the underside nook, organising a tense end.
The Lionesses piled on the stress in stoppage time, launching wave after wave of assaults. Michelle Agyemang and Russo had photographs blocked, whereas Clinton and Hemp each got here agonisingly near equalising within the dying moments. Nevertheless, France held on to safe the win, regardless of ending the match with their backs to the wall.
The consequence was a bitter capsule to swallow for Sarina Wiegman’s facet, who confirmed loads of promise however had been in the end undone by two moments of high quality within the first half.
The reigning champions now have work to do if they’re to make it out of their group.
Wales 0-3 Netherlands
⏰ FT | 🏴 0-3 🇳🇱
Defeat in our opening recreation at #WEURO2025 in Lucerne.
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) July 5, 2025
Wales fell to a medical Netherlands facet, with the Dutch claiming a 3-0 win because of objectives from Vivianne Miedema, Victoria Pelova, and Esmee Brugts.
After a promising begin from Wales, who compelled a number of early corners, it was the Dutch who struck first in stoppage time of the primary half.
Miedema opened the scoring with a end from exterior the field, giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead going into the break.
The guests doubled their benefit simply three minutes into the second half, with Pelova firing low into the underside nook following a neat help from Danielle van de Donk, who had a hand in all three objectives.
Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark produced a number of sturdy saves all through the match, together with efforts to disclaim Jill Roord and Lineth Beerensteyn.
Nevertheless, she might do little to cease the third purpose within the 57th minute, as Brugts pounced from shut vary after a goalmouth scramble from a nook.
Regardless of the defeat, Wales had alternatives of their very own. Gemma Evans headed narrowly huge, whereas Rachel Rowe and Josie Inexperienced noticed efforts blocked from distance.
Accidents largely disrupted Wales’ rhythm within the second half, with each Ceri Holland and Olivia Clark additionally remedy.
