England set a number of unwanted firsts as it began the defense of its Women’s European Championship title by losing to France on Saturday.

By Philip O'Connor ZURICH (Reuters) -France forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scored first-half goals as they beat reigning champions England 2-1 in their Women's Euro Group D opener on Saturday,

The defending champions begin their Euro 2025 campaign against fellow-heavyweights France in a blockbuster Group D clash. Both sides' lead-up to the tournament has been far from smooth. England were rocked by the double-blow of Mary Earps' retirement and Millie Bright's decision to pull out of selection.