England v France dwell: Lionesses surprised by quickfire France targets in Women’s Euro 2025 opener

45+5 mins: A last chance for England before the half-time whistle but Greenwood’s inswinging corner is headed away.

And there is half-time. The Lionesses trudge off and this is a reality check indeed. This was always going to be a tough game but France have been much sharper.

45+5 mins: It’s a totally different game now for France. They can afford to drop off and try and catch England into more mistakes before hitting to Baltimore, Katoto and Cascarino. It’s a tricky position for England to be in.

45 mins: Can England get a precious goal back before half time? We’re into five minutes of additional time but Mead’s cross is overhit and runs straight out.

THE GOAL STANDS!

And suddenly the Lionesses find themselves in a deep hole in this crucial Group D opener. They have been punished for losing the ball too carelessly.

Oh my goodness! What a goal from Sandy Baltimore, and England are 2-0 down. The Lionesses are furious because they wanted a free-kick in midfield!

Russo looked to have been fouled on the halfway line but nothing was given. Baltimore was played in down the right and she evaded the challenge of Bronze, who stumbled. Baltimore then fired into the top corner of Hampton’s goal. Nothing she could do.

Shock! France take the lead against the Lionesses! And it comes from the right wing, where France have been so dangerous. England lose the ball and Cascarino is played down the channel. There’s straight ball across and an unmarked Marie-Antoinette Katoto is there to finish.

32 mins: France have certainly been the better team since the disallowed England goal. Baltimore dribbles at Bronze and puts a dangerous ball into the box – England in the end are grateful for an offside flag in there somewhere.

France are looking very dangerous down the wings.

29 mins: James scampers down the left and does very well to just give England a moment to rest. The problem is, they keep losing it with sloppy passes into midfield – with Carter’s pass into Stanway allowed France to nick it back. England fall on the back foot against but Bacha’s shot is collected by Hampton, with the ball dipping down from a deflection.

24 mins: CHANCE! Wow England breathe a sigh of relief. Karchaoui is released over the top and there’s a moment of hesitation where Williamson can’t get across. Karchaoui goes for the lob and beats Hampton… but it drops just wide of the post. It rippled the side-netting and there are France fans who think it went in.

23 mins: The semi-automated offside review shows that was an extremely marginal decision, with Mead’s shoulder offside.

James attempts a spectacular overhead kick from Hemp’s cross but it sails over. That would have been special.