England Suffer Euro 2025 Opening Defeat to France Despite Greenwood Performance 

England’s Euro 2025 title defence began with a 2-1 defeat to France in their Group D opener, despite a milestone appearance for Alex Greenwood and a strong performance from Lauren Hemp.

Greenwood earned her 100th cap and started at centre-half, while Hemp featured on the left wing. The Lionesses started brightly and thought they had opened the scoring through Alessia Russo, only for the goal to be ruled offside following Hemp’s initial shot.

France took control late in the first half. Katoto scored in the 42nd minute from a Cascarino cross, and Baltimore added a second three minutes later with a solo effort past multiple defenders.

Keira Walsh pulled one back for England in stoppage time with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area. Hemp and substitute Agyemang went close to equalising in the dying moments, but France held on to claim all three points.

Match Summary:

•  Goals: Katoto (42′), Baltimore (45′), Walsh (90+1′)
•  Greenwood made her 100th appearance
• Russo goal disallowed for offside after Hemp’s shot
•  Next: England vs Netherlands, Wednesday, 17:00 UK

 FAQ

• Who scored for England?
  Keira Walsh in the 91st minute.
• Was Greenwood substituted?
  Yes, she was replaced late by Michelle Agyemang.
• How did Hemp perform?
  Created chances, had a disallowed goal assist, and nearly equalised in stoppage time.

Conclusion

England will need a result against the Netherlands on Wednesday to keep their hopes of defending the title alive, after a narrow loss against an impressive France side.