ZURICH (AP) — England set a number of unwanted firsts as it began the defense of its Women’s European Championship title by losing to France 2-1 on Saturday. Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scored two quickfire goals towards the end of the first half as France recorded a ninth straight win and stunned the defending champion.

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, handing Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her first defeat at the finals of the competition.

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.