England’s began the defence of their Euros crown with a 2-1 defeat against France in Zurich on Saturday night.
The Lionesses began brightly, with Lauren James and Alessia Russo both going close in the opening stages before a disallowed goal saw their early momentum stall.
But France, who came into the game having won their last 10 group-stage matches at the Euros, punished England with two goals before half-time to leave Sarina Wiegman’s side shell-shocked.
Keira Walsh pulled one back late on to spark hopes of a dramatic finish, but despite a flurry of late chances, England were unable to find an equaliser on a frustrating night.
The result leaves the reigning champions with work to do in a tough group if they are to keep their hopes of defending the title alive.
Read on for Lionesses player ratings courtesy of STEPHEN DAVIES.
England began the defence of their UEFA Women’s Euros crown on Saturday evening
The Lionesses were beaten 2-1 by France in their opening game in Group D in Switzerland
Hannah Hampton 7.5
Caught well, distributed even better and exuded authority between the sticks. Could do nothing about the French goals and made one fine save in the second period.
Lucy Bronze 5.5
Pushed back time after time by Baltimore and Bacha who asked plenty of questions. Because of that found it hard to get forward to support Mead.
Leah Williamson 6
Skipper and Greenwood played like strangers at times, though you could never doubt Williamson’s spirit. Put in some big tackles.
Alex Greenwood 5.5
Neglected the besieged Carter too often. Won all her headers but struggled to stem the incessant blue tide. Could never fault her for effort.
Jess Carter 4.5
Loves going forward but was tied down by the sublime Cascarino who gave the left back a torrid time. Was crying out for more help from Greenwood and doubtless happy to get a breather after an hour.
Alex Greenwood (left) and Leah Williamson (right) played like strangers at times in Zurich
Jess Carter (right) was given a torrid time by France winger Delphine Cascarino (left)
Keira Walsh 5.5
She’s long been the first name on the teamsheet but was over-run in midfield. Not one of the Chelsea ace’s better games yet still gave England hope with a late goal.
Georgia Stanway 5
Found life hard in a midfield which the French dominated. And it was her lazy pass which enabled Les Bleues to go in front.
Beth Mead 5
Had a big hand to play in England’s early disallowed goal but then found it difficult to get involved. Let down by poor service and marshalled well by the French defence.
Lauren James 6
A real box of tricks for 20 minutes to justify her place in the side but, like so many of her team-mates, started to get bossed. Understandably faded and taken off.
Lauren Hemp 5.5
Rather like Mead was a peripheral figure after a bright start. Just got no change out of a ferocious French back line.
Alessia Russo 5.5
Was all smiles after thinking she’d put England in front only for VAR to say otherwise. From then on the Arsenal forward struggled to get involved.
Georgia Stanway made a mistake which led to France’s opening goal in Saturday’s game
Lauren James looked sharp for a 20-minute spell but she faded before being subbed off
Arsenal ace Alessia Russo thought she had put England in front but her goal was disallowed
Substitutes
- Ella Toone for Beth Mead (6.5, 60min)
- Chloe Kelly for Lauren James (5, 60min)
- Niamh Charles for Jess Carter (5.5, 60min)
- Grace Clinton for Georgia Stanway (77min)
- Michelle Agyemang for Alex Greenwood (86min)
Manager: Sarina Wiegman 4.5
The England boss probably couldn’t believe what she was seeing during the first half. Triple substitution before the hour was positive but cut a helpless figure on the touchlines.
