Cruel! Defending champions The Lionesses defeated by France 2-1
- France defeated reigning holders England 2–1 in Zurich during their Group D opener at Euro 2025, marking the first time a reigning champion has lost their opening match in tournament history. France remain unbeaten 11 matches in a row.
- After England’s early strike by Alessia Russo was ruled out via VAR for offside, France took control: Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored in the 36th minute, swiftly followed by Sandy Baltimore just three minutes later with a fine solo effort.
- Keira Walsh pulled one back with a long-range effort in the 87th minute—England’s first shot on target—but it wasn’t enough, and France held firm to secure victory.
Watch the best moments on BBC
More Videos & Highlights
Watch the moments behind the story.
1 min QB Originals QB ORIGINALS | LISAN ALKEMADE: PSV Eindhoven Goalkeeper on How Mainstream Media Treat Women's Football Goalkeepers
1 min QB Originals QB Originals | QB Break with Franny Černá | Coffee, Football & Life in Prague
1 min QB Originals QB ORIGINALS | “We Celebrated Like We Won the World Cup” — Klára Cahynová on Beating Barcelona
4 min Off The Pitch Focus on the pitch, relax in the paddock: These footballers are F1 enthusiasts
4 min Strong Story No longer a choice: Motherhood in modern women’s football
2 min QB Originals QB ORIGINALS | BÁRA VOTÍKOVÁ — First Czech Woman at Arsenal. On & Off the Pitch
1 min QB Originals QB ORIGINALS | First Game. New Country. Hattrick. Hallie Bergford Story
1 min The Best Actions NWSL expansion sides suffer defeats in season debuts
1 min QB Originals QB ORIGINALS | SUE SMITH — A True Pioneer of the Women’s Game
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations is here. Who are the Queenballer's players to watch?
Wolfsburg's Janou Levels before the quarterfinals: We’re in good form — now we have to show it.”
An emotional goodbye: Guro Reiten leaves Chelsea after seven years for NWSL champions
Madelen Janogy’s future remains purple after signing new Fiorentina deal
GIVEAWAY: Win VIP ticket for the Europa Cup game with Queenballers!
Historic Moment: London City Lionesses to Play Before First Sell-Out Crowd
The New Marta? OL Lyonnes Sign Promising Brazilian Talent Explore more from The Pulse
Keep discovering more stories from women's football.
