England vs France setback raises Euro 2025 alarm

England vs France revealed the Lionesses’ soft underbelly in a 2-1 defeat that opens their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a shudder and leaves Sarina Wiegman wrestling with uncomfortable questions.

England vs France: How the defeat unfolded

Alessia Russo thought she had drawn first blood on 16 minutes, only for the assistant’s flag to ruin the celebrations by the narrowest of offsides. The reprieve galvanised Les Bleues. Ten minutes later, Marie-Antoinette Katoto escaped Leah Williamson’s attention to nod Sandy Baltimore’s cross beyond Hannah Hampton. The second arrived on 64 minutes as Delphine Cascarino skated past Jess Carter and forced Hampton into a parry that Baltimore gleefully dispatched.
Keira Walsh’s late curler, just her second international goal, offered a glimmer, yet England lacked the conviction or quality to force an equaliser. When the whistle sounded at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium, the scoreboard read 2-1, but the gulf in composure felt broader.

Defensive frailties resurface for England vs France

The Lionesses’ back line, usually a foundation, crumbled under French pressure. Williamson misjudged Katoto’s run for the opener and then failed to close Baltimore for the second. Lucy Bronze, eager to overlap, vacated acres behind her, while Carter’s unfamiliarity at left-back was mercilessly exposed by Cascarino. Such porousness invites trouble against the Netherlands on Wednesday—a match that could define this qualifying group.

Midfield malaise threatens balance

Georgia Stanway and Beth Mead, ever-reliable cogs, sputtered. Stanway’s loose passing gifted France transition moments, while Mead’s radar deserted her in promising zones. Even Walsh, scorer of the consolation, surrendered possession cheaply on several occasions. England’s famed midfield triangle looked anything but harmonious, encouraging France to swarm and toggle tempo at will.

Bright spots: James and Agyemang

Positives existed, albeit few. Lauren James carried perpetual menace on the left, driving at Griedge Mbock and feeding incisive passes. Substitute Michelle Agyemang, thrown on for the final quarter-hour, offered directness that unsettled the French centre-backs, twice forcing Pauline Peyraud-Magnin into sharp stops. Their vibrancy hints at solutions—if Wiegman is bold enough.

Primary lessons from England vs France defeat

1. Balance the back four: A natural left-back is non-negotiable. Carter’s versatility is admirable, but her discomfort was clear. Alex Greenwood’s experience or Jess Park’s athleticism must be considered.
2. Clarify midfield roles: Asking Walsh to screen solo while Stanway and Ella Toone push on leaves space. A double pivot or rotating press triggers could soothe the issue.
3. Inject unpredictability up front: With Russo often isolated, channel switching and inverted runs are critical. James drifting centrally, supported by Hemp’s width, can stretch compact defences.

What Sarina Wiegman must change before facing the Dutch

Training sessions in Biel will focus on defensive shape. The coaching staff have already clipped sequences where the back line’s distances yawned too wide. Expect Williamson to partner Millie Bright centrally, freeing Carter to battle for a right-back slot with Bronze, and Greenwood to reclaim the left. In midfield, Stanway’s place is under threat from Grace Clinton’s craft or Katie Zelem’s distribution. Up top, Mead and Toone could rotate, with Agyemang demanding more than cameo minutes.

Historical context makes the setback sting

No reigning European champion has been dumped from the group phase at the following tournament, yet that fate looms if England stumble again. The Lionesses have lost only four competitive matches under Wiegman; two have arrived in the last five outings, suggesting momentum is slipping. Mental resilience, once their hallmark, is as vital to restore as tactical tweaks.

Stat zone

• Shots: France 14, England 10
• Expected goals (xG): France 2.3, England 0.9
• Possession: France 53%, England 47%
• Turnovers in own half: England 17 (highest in Wiegman era)
• Successful dribbles: James 6/8 (match-high)

England vs France defeat leaves Euro 2025 path complicated

Victory over the Netherlands remains the simplest remedy, yet the Dutch boast the creativity of Jill Roord and the pace of Lineth Beerensteyn. Wales, meanwhile, would relish playing spoiler in the pool’s final fixture. England need four points minimum; six guarantees progression. Wiegman’s reputation for calm, rational adjustments will be tested like never before.

Opinion: Time for brave selections

Results dictate narratives, but performances forecast futures. Saturday’s evidence screamed for change. Persisting with square pegs invites repeat agony. Give James licence to roam centrally, trust Greenwood at left-back, and unleash Agyemang’s fearless running from the off. Euro crowns are not defended through sentimentality—they’re defended through ruthless clarity.