The high-profile France vs England (UEFA Euro Women's) group stage clash took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with kickoff at 21:00 local time (12:30 AM IST, July 6) at the Letzigrund Stadium in Zurich, Switzerland. This opening Group D fixture was a crucial test for both teams, with England entering as reigning European champions and France eager to make a statement.
Match Overview
- Fixture: France vs England (UEFA Euro Women's)
- Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 21:00 CEST (Zurich) / 12:30 AM IST (July 6)
- Venue: Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competition: UEFA Women's Euro 2025, Group D
First Half: French Firepower Shocks England
The match began with England showing early promise, Lauren James and Lauren Hemp threatening the French defense. England thought they had taken the lead when Alessia Russo scored after 16 minutes, but the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside following a VAR check. This moment proved pivotal, as France quickly gained momentum.
France’s breakthrough came in the 36th minute: Delphine Cascarino’s pace down the right set up Marie-Antoinette Katoto for a close-range finish. Just three minutes later, Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead with a powerful strike after a mazy run, capitalizing on England’s defensive lapses. By halftime, France were in control, leading 2-0 and exposing England’s vulnerability in midfield and on the flanks.
Second Half: England’s Late Rally Falls Short
England made triple substitutions around the hour mark, bringing on Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly in search of a spark. The Lionesses pressed forward, but France’s defense, marshaled by Alice Sombath and Elisa De Almeida, held firm. France remained dangerous on the counter, with Katoto and substitute Kadidiatou Diani continuing to test England’s back line.
In the 87th minute, Keira Walsh gave England hope with a well-struck volley from the edge of the box, setting up a tense finale. Substitute Michelle Agyemang nearly equalized in stoppage time, but her effort was dramatically cleared off the line by Sombath. Despite late pressure, France held on for a deserved 2-1 victory.
Key Moments
- 16’: Alessia Russo’s goal for England ruled out by VAR for offside
- 36’: Katoto scores for France after a Cascarino assist
- 39’: Baltimore makes it 2-0 with a powerful finish
- 87’: Walsh pulls one back for England with a volley from the edge of the box
- 90’: Sombath clears Agyemang’s shot off the line to preserve France’s lead
Tactical and Emotional Takeaways
- France’s discipline and pace on the wings—especially from Cascarino and Baltimore—proved decisive.
- England’s midfield was overrun, with Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh struggling to control possession and tempo.
- The Lionesses’ late surge showed resilience, but their slow response and defensive errors left them chasing the game.
What’s Next?
With this result, France take an early lead in Group D, while England must regroup quickly ahead of their next match against the Netherlands. The defeat marks the first time a reigning Women’s Euro champion has lost their opening match at the following tournament.