France Women 2 – 1 England Women

The defense of women in England of their European title began to close, beaten 2-1 by France in Zurich.

It is the first time that a reigning champion has lost his opening match of the following tournament, with the lionesses widely exceeded and overwhelmed by the impressive French.

Offer its reflections on the reasons why England has not played their best ITV SportLeah Williamson said: “We have lost a game. Half deception at low prices.

“We learned from these errors of equity and grew up in the game, but on the ball, we were not good enough.”

But the performance of the lionesses has been reserved with two brilliant spells. Alessia Russo had the ball at the back of the net in the 16th minute, but her strike was excluded by Var for a Beth Mead offside in construction.

France reacted, the better, taking advantage of the sloppy game of England and using their advantage in the two wings – Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter struggling against the rhythm of Sandy Baltimore and Delphine Cascarino.

And it was another race of the latter who installed France for a deserved opener. His pass in the box was returned home by Marie-Antoinette Katototo, who had derived behind Williamson.

Three minutes later and France doubled their advance, England conceding the total number of goals they let in during Euro 2022 (2) in a few minutes.

Baltimore raised the shoulders of the double challenge of Williamson and his Chelsea Bronze teammate attempting the cross. The right rear of England released a leg to block, but that did not send the ball back to the winger, who then returned home.

There was a Var review for a fault on Russo in construction, but the technology remained with the decision on the ground to let the goal be held, sending the Sarina Wiegman usually stoic in an angry explosion to the fourth official.

France continued to look comfortable in the second half – until England is offered a lifeline in the 87th minute. Keira Walsh, who had struggled to pull the strings for lionesses as she does so often, spread to the house of a free corner for her second international goal.

The lionesses continued to push – Michelle Agyemang looks brilliant when she came as a late substitute – the hemp Lauren having a poked effort was erased after Pauline Peyraud -Magnin left her goal open.

But it is not enough that England tears off an undeserved point, leaving them third in group D. They will have to win their next two games against the Netherlands and Wales to have a chance to progress to the direct elimination towers.

Williamson: everyone must assume responsibility

Captain of England Leah Williamson talk to ITV Sport: “We improved by tiring, we took advantage of it, but not enough.

“Sometimes it happens, the positive is that I haven’t seen us like that in terms of reversing the ball for some time now. It’s really frustrating, I think that’s how we take it, but tomorrow we are back on it.

“I think everyone is taking responsibility for themselves today, I look at the domain that could have had an impact on the game more.

“I will do it, but I think that tomorrow we have a new match plan, different spaces available, different types of opposition.”

Wiegman: We played the game

Boss of England Sarina Wiegman talk to ITV Sport: “I am very disappointed with the result. I thought we really started, scored a goal and unfortunately, that did not count.

“Then, we played the game by playing short passes, which really helped them and not being tight enough. We had to get out of this first press and jump and I think it did a little trouble.

“Then, of course, they scored goals, then at the end, we played with four attackers and really tried to pass the ball over the line, but we did not do it.

“The vast zones were not the biggest problem. We started very well, then we started playing short passes, and that is what they wanted, because they wanted to press. So we had to enter behind them and try to jump the press, we lost. We were too sloppy and that did not help us; it helped them.

“So of course, we know how good they are counterattack. They are powerful and fast players. This is what they did very well.”

Bonadei surprised by the approach of England

Chief coach of France Laurent Bonadei: “England is a very good team. They are fifth in the world ranking and have won the last euros, so we have to respect this team.

“They started very well and put pressure on us at the start. We were a little surprised because normally they play with the accumulation of Keira Walsh in the midfield, so it was really difficult because we were under pressure, and we conceded. Fortunately for us, it was excluded.

“Then slowly, step by step, we came back with our avant-garde players and had our fantastic goal on the right side. Physically, it was not easy for the England team because we play more directly in the midfield. We kept calm and scored a second goal.

“In the second half, we checked the match because they had only had two shots on the target. At the end of the match, you could see England to be able to score at any time and we played under pressure for the last five minutes. My players have succeeded very well and kept the result.”