France laid down a significant marker in their UEFA Women's EURO 2025 opening match, securing a convincing 2-0 victory over rivals England on a decisive Saturday evening. Goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore in the first half were enough to see off the defending champions and give Les Bleues a crucial three points in Group C.
The highly anticipated clash at the Letzigrund Stadium saw a French side brimming with confidence from the outset. They controlled the tempo for large periods of the first half, and their pressure paid off in the 36th minute when Paris Saint-Germain forward Katoto broke the deadlock.
England, who lifted the trophy in 2022, struggled to find their rhythm and were dealt a further blow just minutes before the halftime whistle. A defensive lapse from the Lionesses was clinically punished by Baltimore, who doubled France's advantage and left England with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Despite a spirited effort after the break, Sarina Wiegman's England side were unable to breach a well-organized French defense. The introduction of fresh attacking talent from the bench failed to produce the desired comeback, as France held firm to see out a deserved win.
The result puts France in a strong position in the group, while England will now be under pressure to secure positive results in their remaining fixtures to ensure their progression to the knockout stages.
In the lead-up to the tournament, both teams had been in formidable form, but it was France who translated that into a statement victory on the night. The match was a replay of the recent EURO qualification encounters, where France also held the upper hand, suggesting a potential power shift in European women's football.
Looking ahead, England will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next group stage match, while France will be buoyed by a performance that solidifies their status as one of the top contenders for the EURO 2025 crown.
