England's bid to defend their Euros title took a major hit, as France outclassed the Lionesses on a night where the midfield battle proved decisive.

England began their Women’s European Championship defence with a 2-1 loss to France at Stadion Letzigrund on Saturday evening.The Lionesses headed into the game in high spirits after thrashing

France forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scored first-half goals as they beat reigning champions England 2-1 in their Women's Euro Group D opener on Saturday, handing Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her first defeat at the finals of the competition.