NEW DELHI: England set a number of unwanted firsts as it began the defence 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.
Keira Walsh reduced the deficit three minutes from time, but it wasn’t enough to prevent England from becoming the first titleholder to lose its opening match at a women’s Euros. The defeat also ended England coach Sarina Wiegman’s remarkable flawless record in the competition, after winning 12 out of 12 matches across two tournaments as she steered first the Netherlands to the title and then England. The Lionesses next face the Netherlands on Wednesday, before taking on Wales in their final group match four days later.
Netherlands legend Vivianne Miedema’s 100th goal in international football was key to a 3-0 win over debut-making Wales. Agencies
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