A nightmare start occurred for England in their defence of the Women’s European Championship, as they left Switzerland 2–1 losers to a dominant France side. Despite their best efforts towards the closing stages of the contest, Laurent Bonadei’s France looked cool and composed on the night.
A first half to forget for England, it was nearly a fantastic start for the Lionesses, as, following a timid back-and-forth contest, Russo capitalised on a spilled save to tap home for 1-0. However, the reigning and defending European Women’s Champions were on the receiving end of VAR’s automated offside technology, and Beth Mead was caught marginally offside.
What would typically galvanise England to go for more did the opposite, and it was France who used this as an opportunity to get on top. Doing so in the 36th minute, following a pinpoint cross from Delphine Cascarino, Marie-Antoinette Katoto lost Leah Williamson in the box and tapped into an empty net. It was only three minutes later that France doubled their lead, and following an error at the back from Lucy Bronze, Sandy Baltimore tricked her way into a tight angle, before curling into the top right corner fantastically.
Following what was a lively first half, with four goals, one of those being offside, a quieter second half ensued at the Stadion Letzigrund in Switzerland. Laurent Bonadei’s France came out for the second half with the same intensity, with Hannah Hampton producing two good saves to keep the scoreline at 2-0, and on one occasion sparring the blushes of Beth Mead, who was dispossessed in the middle of the park.
On the hour mark, a triple substitution for France calmed the game down, as the French took off all three members of their electric front trio, who caused England’s defence trouble all night. A last-gasp effort from England saw Keira Walsh put a strike from the edge of the box straight into the top right corner, and although it gave England momentum, it was too little too late. For France, they now prepare to face Wales, whereas England will face off against the Netherlands next up in Group D.
|
France vs. England Match Statistics |
||
|---|---|---|
|
France |
Statistic |
England |
|
43% |
Possession |
57% |
|
14 |
Shots |
12 |
|
6 |
Shots on Target |
2 |
|
10 |
Fouls |
12 |
|
1 |
Yellow Cards |
1 |
Match Highlights
France Player Ratings
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin – 7.0
On track for a clean sheet before conceding a wonder goal. Did receive a yellow card for time-wasting.
LB: Selma Bacha – 7.0
Produced a goal-line clearance in the last minute, and was solid all night, especially further up the pitch.
CB: Alice Sombath – 7.0
A quiet performance, but understandably, didn’t have lots to do.
CB: Maelle Lakrar – 7.0
Much like her centre-back partner, a good enough performance, despite no clean sheet.
RB: Elisa de Almeida – 7.5
Up and down the flank all night, excellent at both ends of the pitch.
CM: Grace Geyoro – 7.0
Went close to scoring in the second half if not for a last gasp save, but was otherwise faultless.
CM: Oriane Jean-Francois – 7.0
A solid display, winning over half her duels and propping up the backline with her defensive efforts.
CM: Sakina Karchaoui – 7.0
A true captain’s performance, a fantastic display in the middle of the park.
LW: Sandy Baltimore – 8.0
Gave Lucy Bronze a difficult time in an electric display
ST: Marie-Antoinette Katoto – 7.5
Limited to just 15 touches, but pulled off a fantastic bit of movement for her goal.
RW: Delphine Cascarino – 8.5 – Player of the Match
Was a constant threat down the right-hand side, with her positive display resulting in a sumptuous assist.
SUB: Melvine Malard – 6.5
Nearly scored right away, had good energy down the left-handside.
SUB: Clara Mateo – 6.0
Helped keep things ticking in the attack despite no shots.
SUB: Kadidiatou Diani – 6.5
Produced 0.73 xG during a lively 28-minute cameo, a solid effort.
SUB: Melween Ndongala – 6.0
Got France over the line, winning 100% of her duels.
SUB: Sandie Toletti – 6.0
A simple 10-minute cameo, producing nothing of note, just helping her side to the victory.
England Player Ratings
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Hannah Hampton – 6.0
Produced a few important saves, conceded two goals she could not do much about
LB: Jessica Carter – 5.5
A quiet night for the fullback, who did try get stuck in at times.
CB: Alex Greenwood – 5-5
The least worrying member of a troubled back four on the night.
CB: Leah Williamson – 5.5
Lost her player for France’s opening goal and couldn’t captain her backline to a commanding performance.
RB: Lucy Bronze – 5.0
Produced an error that led to a France and was left baffled by Cascarino at times.
CM: Georgia Stanway – 5.5
A solid defensive display, not enough to save a rocky backline.
CM: Keira Walsh – 6.0
Had a quiet night but produced a moment of magic to lift England’s spirits.
AM: Lauren James – 6.0
Positive when on the ball, with few and far chances to show what she could do.
LW: Lauren Hemp – 5.5
Unable to produce much of anything when on the ball, lost 10 duels.
ST: Alessio Russo – 6.0
Scored a disallowed goal with great anticipation and tried to make things happen, but was limited to zero shots.
RW: Beth Mead – 5.5
Unfortunately offside for England’s disallowed goal, and a near error in the second half, but unnoticeable otherwise.
SUB: Chloe Kelly – 5.5
Another quiet bench cameo from Sarah Wiegman’s substitues.
SUB: Niamh Charles – 5.5
A good attacking effort gave England a much-needed attacking threat, despite being a full-back.
SUB: Ella Toone – 5.5
Yellow carded in a forgettable 30-minute cameo.
SUB: Grace Clinton – 5.5
Just eight touches, two of those being shots, but it wasn’t what England needed coming off the bench.
SUB: Michelle Agyemang – 5.5
Livened things up during a last-gasp England effort, but it was too little too late.
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