July 06, 2025
Katoto and Baltimore strike as Lionesses falter in Zurich
France dealt a major blow to England’s title defence with a 2–1 victory in their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Group D opener in Zurich. First-half goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore—scored just three minutes apart—left the Lionesses chasing shadows. Keira Walsh’s late strike offered hope, but it was too little, too late.
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England started brightly, with Lauren James testing France early and Alessia Russo having a goal ruled out for offside. But France grew into the game, with Delphine Cascarino’s pace proving decisive. She set up Katoto’s opener in the 36th minute, before Baltimore doubled the lead with a dazzling solo effort.
Despite a late flurry—including a Michelle Agyemang shot cleared off the line—England failed to recover. They managed just one shot on target before Walsh’s 87th-minute goal.
Sarina Wiegman’s side now face a must-win clash against the Netherlands, while France look poised to top the group.
