England’s defence of their European Championship crown got off to a difficult start as France claimed a 2-1 win in Zurich.England created the first chance in the opening minute, but Lauren James

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.

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.