LACKLUSTRE LIONESSES OUTCLASSED BY FRANCE
It could have been a very different night for England if early chances had been capitalised on, with Lauren James looking dangerous from the outset of their eventual loss to France in Zurich.
Alessia Russo’s disallowed goal, which was ultimately ruled offside by VAR, seemed to change the dynamic of the game with France who had initially seemed the weaker side then gaining momentum.
After this, the France piled the pressure on England and Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s 36th-minute goal felt like it had been some time in the making.
Poor defending by Lucy Bronze gave Sandy Baltimore the opportunity to double their lead five minutes later, though France had plenty more chances yet to come.
England might argue that some refereeing decisions did not go their way, such as the second goal standing after Russo appeared to be fouled in the build-up, though in truth they were just not as good, and seemed rattled for the most part.
Keira Walsh scored an 87th-minute consolation prize for The Lionesses, after they doled out a torrent of abuse on the French defence, but their intensity came too late in the game, and they were unable to find the equaliser before the final whistle.
They face Netherlands on Wednesday, which now becomes a must-win match to ensure passage to the knockout stages.
