Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore gave France a 2-0 lead in the first half, before Keira Walsh pulled a goal back in the 87th minute – albeit a consolation in a 2-1 defeat.
It was not the ideal start for the reigning champions – who had an opening goal chalked off by VAR – and captain Williamson gave an honest review of the team’s performance in Zurich.
“We lost the game (because of) poor defending one v one,” the Arsenal defender said.
“We learnt from those mistakes in fairness. Not good enough with the ball, we weren’t good enough. We got better and took advantage of that, but not enough in the end.
“Sometimes it happens. The positive is I’ve not seen us like (that) in terms of turning over the ball so much for a while now. Tomorrow, (we’re) back on it and there was some really good stuff towards the end.
“When you lose (the ball) and you’re that expansive, it is tough. We hold ourselves to higher standards in our individual battles.
“Everyone takes responsibility for themselves and (will) have a look. Tomorrow we have (a) new game plan. Different places available and different opposition.”
With two games to play to seal qualification to the knockout rounds, time is on England’s side.
They face Netherlands next in an intriguing battle for boss Sarina Wiegman, before wrapping up the group stage against Wales.
Speaking after the France defeat, fellow defender Alex Greenwood agreed with her centre-back partner but was positive when looking ahead.
“It was disappointing, disappointing result,” she said. “I think we finished the game strong, but we don’t want to be in situations like that where we are finishing games like that.
“Of course, (it’s) not the ideal start, but no tournament is won or lost after the first game. We have two massive games now that we must win. We’ll assess the game, reflect on it individually and collectively and make sure we’re better in the next game.
“Honestly, I thought we started the game really well. The first 10/15 minutes I thought we put them on the back foot and then after the VAR goal (England’s disallowed goal ruled out for offside) we just lost our way a little bit, which is disappointing. And when you concede two goals you’ve got an uphill battle.
“I need to watch the game, I need to reflect on the game, it’s going to take a day to do that, but of course, right now I’m just disappointed with the result.
“I think that (England’s disallowed goal) was a turning point moment.
“Of course I’m confident (things will improve against Netherlands). We are disappointed with this result but it’s not the end, it’s the first game. Like I said, now it’s two games, must win.”
