France staked their claim to be contenders for Women's Euro 2025 by beating holders England 2-1 on Saturday and joining the Netherlands at the top of Group D. Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore netted within three minutes of each other towards the end of the first half as Les Bleues deservedly defeated England in Zurich.

England's defence of their European title got off to a damaging start with a 2-1 defeat by France in their heavyweight group-stage match in Zurich. Widely considered England's toughest game of Group D, this was always going to be a test for Sarina Wiegman's side - and they were not up to the task.

France lacked a clinical edge throughout the tie, and could, or rather should, have scored several more than they did. It was a rude awakening for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who appeared to be in good spirits and on fine form after beating Jamaica 7-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.