England v France reside: Keira Walsh objective provides sloppy Lionesses hope at Women’s Euro 2025
England take on France as the Lionesses face a blockbuster start to their title defence at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The Lionesses won the tournament three years ago on home soil with a historic victory over Germany but Sarina Wiegman has told her players to embrace a “new challenge” as a “new England”.
Wiegman’s team have no time to find their feet in Zurich as they take on a strong France side who, like England, are one of the few sides who can win the Euros this summer. With the 2017 champions Netherlands and debutants Wales also making up the ‘group of death’, there is also no room for slip-ups and the pressure will be on from the start.
The Lionesses are boosted by the return of star forward Lauren James, who starts against France after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Follow live updates from England v France in our live blog below
England 1-2 France
90 mins; Into FIVE minutes added time. Russo’s cross from the right drifts onto the top of the goal. And the France keeper is booked for time-wasting.
England 1-2 France
89 mins: And now there’s a goalmouth scramble and Agyemang’s shot is blocked behind! What a moment that would have been for the teenager! A huge block in the France defence.
England 1-2 France
Michelle Agyemang is on for England too and they are going to throw everything at these final minutes. Wiegman is pumping her fist on the sidelines and this game has completely turned!
GOAL! England 1-2 France (WALSH 86′)
ENGLAND HAVE A LIFELINE! Kelly’s corner is cleared and it falls to Walsh on the edge of the box. The midfielder takes a touch and sends the shot into the top corner, wonderful finish!
England have time as well to chase the equaliser!
England 0-2 France
85 mins: At last some threat for England! The cross falls to Toone in the box and her volley is blocked. The second effort is deflected wide and England have a corner!
England 0-2 France
82 mins: Another frustrated England player gives away a foul in midfield that probably wasn’t a foul: Clinton this time, who has not long joined the action.
Wiegman is scribbling some notes pitchside. England did not lose a game at Euro 2022 or, before the final, at the 2023 World Cup.
It’s tough to remember England playing so poorly, or having so little fight when being behind, under Wiegman.
England 0-2 France
76 mins: Close! Diani heads just wide of the far post. France have had 12 shots to England’s four, including six on target to England’s zero…
Clinton replaces Stanway in midfield.
England 0-2 France
74 mins: And more frustration for England as Toone is booked for a late challenge on Bacha. Again, England lost the ball so carelessly as Williamson’s pass to Bronze was cut out. It’s been so sloppy from England, pretty much since the 15th minute.
Grace Clinton will be coming on next for the Lionesses.
