France started the Women's European Championship with a win, defeating England

France started the Women's European Championship with a win, defeating the defending champion England team 2-1, BTA reports. Marie-Antoinette Catoto (right) and Sandy Baltimore scored goals in the first half within just three minutes - the 36th and 39th. It was also the first defeat for England manager Sarina Wigman since 2017 at the European Championship level. Wigman has a series of titles won with the Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022, as she was unbeaten in 12 matches.

Catoto's goal, after a shot from close range, was the result of a brilliant counterattack, in which Elisa De Almeida controlled the ball and passed to Delphine Cascarino, who crossed perfectly for Catoto – 1-0. The second goal came three minutes later after a wonderful solo effort by Sandy Baltimore to make it 2-0.

England only scored in the dying minutes of the match when Kiera Walsh reduced the deficit to 1-2 with a long-range shot in the 87th minute.
Walsh's goal sparked a late charge for England, with Alessia Russo and Grace Clinton coming close to equalising.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, beat debutants Wales 3-0 to top Group D after the first round of matches before their clash with England on Wednesday in Zurich. France can secure a place in the knockout stages with a win over Wales in St. Gallen that evening.