SBOTOP: Lionesses Suffer Historic Setback with Euro 2025 Opening Loss to Franc

The opening chapter of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has not gone as England envisioned. The Lionesses, reigning European champions and semi-finalists at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, began their title defense with a bruising 2-1 defeat at the hands of France. Held at the iconic Groupama Stadium in Lyon, this highly anticipated Group B clash was billed as a showdown between two of Europe’s elite sides. But for England, the match ended not just in defeat—but in the making of unwanted history.

For the first time in their UEFA Women’s Euro history, England have lost their tournament opener. More alarmingly, it was their first loss in 90 minutes at a European Championship since 2013. France’s victory not only dented England’s hopes of topping the group but exposed deeper concerns that manager Sarina Wiegman must address swiftly if the Lionesses are to mount a serious title defense.

Let’s break down how the evening unfolded, the implications for the rest of the tournament, and what this loss reveals about the current state of England’s women’s national team.

Match Summary France 2-1 England

In front of over 45,000 spectators, the match kicked off under clear skies and high pressure. England, lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, welcomed back Millie Bright after a lengthy injury layoff, while Leah Williamson, still recovering, remained sidelined. France, under manager Hervé Renard, fielded a dynamic 4-3-3 with a front line that included the electric Kadidiatou Diani and creative talisman Delphine Cascarino.

First Half: French Control, English Hesitance

France dominated early proceedings. Their midfield trio outmuscled England’s pivot of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, and the Lionesses struggled to maintain possession. In the 19th minute, a moment of brilliance from Grace Geyoro—who slipped between England’s midfield lines—led to a well-weighted through ball that found Cascarino on the right wing. She crossed low, and Diani tapped home to make it 1-0.

England looked rattled. Their usually crisp build-up play was marred by misplaced passes and a lack of vertical movement. Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly, usually reliable wide threats, were nullified by France’s aggressive fullbacks. At the half, the Lionesses had managed just one shot on target.

Second Half A Brief Spark and Crushing Response

Wiegman made a tactical adjustment at the break, bringing on Ella Toone for Stanway and shifting into a more direct 4-1-4-1. The change bore fruit in the 57th minute. Lauren James, quiet in the first half, burst into the French box after linking well with Alessia Russo. Her shot was parried, but Toone was there to bury the rebound: 1-1.

For a moment, it seemed like England might turn the tide. The team pressed higher, their confidence returning. However, defensive frailties soon reappeared. In the 73rd minute, a corner from France was poorly cleared, and Wendie Renard, ever-reliable on set-pieces, rose highest to nod in the go-ahead goal.

Despite a late push that included Beth Mead’s introduction, England couldn’t find an equalizer. The final whistle confirmed the 2-1 defeat—an ominous start to their Euro 2025 campaign.

Historical Context Breaking the Wrong Records

England’s women’s team has enjoyed a meteoric rise since the mid-2010s. From the heartbreak of semi-final exits in 2015 and 2019 to their crowning glory at Euro 2022, the Lionesses have been at the forefront of a revolution in the women’s game. But the defeat to France carries uncomfortable historic weight.

Here’s what makes the result historically significant:

First opening match loss at a UEFA Women’s Euro: In all nine previous editions England qualified for, they either drew or won their first match.
First 90-minute loss at the Euros in 12 years: Their last regulation-time defeat was against France in the 2013 edition, also in the group stage.
End of Sarina Wiegman’s unbeaten group-stage run: Since taking charge in 2021, Wiegman had guided the Lionesses to an unbeaten record in group stages of major tournaments—until now.

For a team that entered the tournament with such high expectations, these milestones sting.

What Went Wrong for the Lionesses

While the result may have come as a surprise, the warning signs were there. England’s performances in the months leading up to Euro 2025 were mixed. Draws against Sweden and Belgium in friendlies and a narrow win over New Zealand highlighted both attacking potential and defensive fragility.

Let’s analyze the main issues exposed against France:

Midfield Imbalance

Walsh and Stanway, when on song, are one of the best midfield duos in Europe. But on this night, they were second-best. France’s midfield trio overloaded central areas, leaving Walsh isolated in front of the back four and Stanway chasing shadows. The lack of a natural box-to-box presence hurt England’s transition game.

Defensive Rust

The return of Millie Bright was a boost, but after months out, her timing and positioning were rusty. Without Williamson’s composure and passing range, England’s buildup often bypassed the center backs, leading to predictable wide attacks. The second French goal came from poor marking on a corner—an area that has plagued England recently.

Inconsistent Wing Play

Hemp and Kelly were star performers at Euro 2022, but France’s fullbacks doubled up effectively. England’s reluctance to switch play or attack centrally made them predictable. Lauren James showed flashes of brilliance but was often left isolated in the No. 10 role.

Lack of In-Game Adaptability

Wiegman, known for her tactical acumen, was unusually passive until halftime. The late introduction of Mead and Toone gave the team a boost, but it came too late. In tournaments, decisive in-game management can be the difference between group stage elimination and deep runs.

France’s Rise Under Hervé Renard

While England’s struggles made headlines, credit must go to France, who looked like a well-drilled, cohesive unit. Renard, appointed in early 2023, has brought discipline, physicality, and clarity to a side that previously underachieved at major tournaments.

Key to France’s dominance was their midfield, anchored by Sandie Toletti, whose distribution controlled tempo. The front line, led by Diani and Cascarino, consistently exploited England’s fullbacks, while Renard’s experience at the back provided stability.

This win firmly establishes France as one of the tournament favorites. With upcoming matches against Italy and Austria, they’re now in pole position to top Group B.

What Next for England

The road ahead is now filled with pressure. England’s remaining group matches are:

vs Italy – July 10
vs Austria – July 14

Both opponents are no pushovers. Italy, with their defensive resilience and technical midfielders, could prove tricky, while Austria’s well-organized 4-4-2 setup frustrated England in a 2024 friendly that ended 1-1.

Wiegman must now make bold decisions:

Does she persist with the Bright–Greenwood center-back pairing or introduce Lotte Wubben-Moy?
Should Ella Toone start to provide more creativity and urgency?
Is it time to try Rachel Daly as a central striker instead of Russo?

Mental resilience will be key. This is the first time this golden generation of Lionesses has faced such early adversity in a major tournament. Their response will define the campaign.

The Broader Picture Pressure of Expectations

This defeat must also be viewed through the lens of rising expectations. Since lifting the Euro 2022 trophy in front of a record Wembley crowd, England have become standard-bearers for women’s football in Europe. Their matches regularly draw millions of viewers. Sponsorship, media attention, and fan engagement have soared.

But with success comes pressure. Every stumble is magnified. Every misstep dissected. And in that crucible, character is forged.

Veterans like Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, and Walsh have experienced both triumph and heartbreak. Now they must guide younger players like James, Toone, and Grace Clinton through this storm.