Lionesses Experience Disappointing Start With Loss To France In Euro 2025 Opener

Add as a preferred source on Google

England's Women's team began their Euro 2022 title defence with a 2-1 loss to France, marking a stark contrast from their previous success. Former Lionesses midfielder Fran Kirby noted the team's struggles in their opening match of Group D. This defeat was Sarina Wiegman's first in a European Championship game, with France's Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scoring in the first half.

The Lionesses became the first defending champions to lose their initial game at the Women's Euros. They now face potential elimination if they don't secure a win against the Netherlands on Wednesday. Kirby, who retired from international play before the tournament, expressed concern over England's performance, highlighting numerous errors and defensive issues.

Kirby shared her thoughts on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating, "It was very different to the Lionesses team I am used to playing in and watching." She emphasized the importance of post-match analysis for Sarina Wiegman, suggesting it could be one of her most crucial evaluations as a manager.

Several key players faced disrupted seasons due to injuries. Lauren James, Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, and Lauren Hemp all returned from injuries just in time for the tournament. Despite these setbacks, Manchester City's Lauren Hemp dismissed excuses for their poor start.

"A lot of us have had a big amount of time out and that's obviously been gutting," Hemp stated. "I have missed most of the season, but we've also had four or five games to get up to scratch and I think it's no excuse really."

Recent Performance Trends

England's recent form has been concerning. They have lost three out of their last four competitive matches, contrasting sharply with their earlier record under Wiegman. Previously, they only lost four times in 39 matches under her leadership.

Their last group-stage defeat at a major tournament occurred in 2015 when they also lost to France in their World Cup opener in Canada. The current situation highlights challenges that need addressing if they are to progress further in this competition.

The upcoming match against the Netherlands is crucial for England's hopes of advancing. The team must regroup and address their weaknesses to avoid an early exit from the tournament.