Sarina Wiegman claims England must ‘step up’ after falling to opening Euro 2025 defeat

The Lionesses could not start their title defence with a win over France.

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Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman

England boss Sarina Wiegman says her side must find another level if they are to make it out of their group at Euro 2025.

The Lionesses – who are the reigning champions – fell to a 2-1 defeat to France, putting them in third behind the Netherlands and Les Bleues in Group D.

Despite a late rally from the holders, it was not enough to outclass a very solid French side who knew exactly how to get the job done.

Speaking after the match, Wiegman said: “I’m very disappointed about the result. We started well, scored a goal but it didn’t count. We played ourselves out of the game. We really tried to get the goal over the line.

“We started playing short passes and that’s what they wanted because they wanted to press. When we were out of the press, we were too sloppy. We know they’re really strong on the counter-attack. They did it really.

“I think we can do better. We know France is really good but we caused our own problems. We could have scored in the first minute. We could have made it easier.

“We have to step up and tomorrow we will review and recover and straight on to the games against the Netherlands on Wednesday. We will have recovery and talk to each other and move on.”

England face the Netherlands on Wednesday in a now must-win match if they are to make it through to the knockouts.

They will then face Wales, which may also see them need a win to secure their place.

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Mitch Fretton

Mitch is a freelance sports journalist with experience working for LiveScore, GOAL and Colchester United. He has experience working from both his desk at home and in the press box at games covering the Champions League and international football.

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