Talk shows, podcasts, pundits — everyone’s saying the same thing: England didn’t just lose to France — they were bullied.
The 2–1 defeat in their EURO 2025 opener has rocked fans and raised serious questions about the team’s preparation, energy, and identity.
It Wasn’t the Scoreline — It Was the Manner of Defeat
Plenty of fans could have accepted a narrow defeat to a world-class French side. But what we witnessed on Saturday night went beyond tactics or bad luck.
England were outpaced, outmuscled, and outplayed — from start to finish.
France pressed high, ran hard, and never let England settle. They won every second ball, every 50/50 challenge, and every key moment. The Lionesses simply couldn’t cope — and for many fans watching, it was as shocking as it was unfamiliar.
A Midfield Collapse and Defensive Pressure
The heart of the issue? Midfield.
England’s midfield was overwhelmed. They were too slow on the ball, too reactive off it, and France walked right through the centre of the pitch. That pressure left the defence exposed — and under constant fire.
From Stanway to Walsh, Williamson to Bronze — every senior name struggled. It’s not just that they had an off day. It was that they all had one at the same time. Passes went astray, first touches were off, and players were caught watching instead of reacting.
Beth Mead had one of her most forgettable games in an England shirt. Jess Carter, so often reliable, was hung out to dry far too often — with little protection and no support.
Substitutions: Too Late, Too Little
The bench didn’t save the day either.
- Chloe Kelly came on and offered nothing — a flat sub in a moment that needed fire.
- Jessie Charles, who replaced Carter, looked sharper and more aggressive, but came into a broken system.
- Grace Clinton and Maddy Agyemang were the only players to make a real impact — with pressing, tackling, and energy. Agyemang in particular caused instant chaos… in just five minutes.
There’s a strong sense that if she’d come on earlier — and partnered with Russo — we might have had enough to steal a point.
Fans & Media Alike: This Wasn’t the England We Know
Every corner of the women’s football world has echoed the same disbelief:
“How were England this slow?”
“Have we ever seen the team this flat?”
“Where was the fight?”
The defeat has fans and pundits calling for changes — not just in team selection, but in energy and identity. Because if this truly is the new era of England, it needs to start acting like one.
The Pressure Is On: Lose to the Netherlands and It’s Over
Wednesday’s game against the Netherlands is now must-win. A loss would see the reigning champions crash out after just two group games — something unthinkable just weeks ago.
And let’s not forget: Wales await in the final group game, and they’ll throw absolutely everything at England.
The Lionesses need to roar back — or this EURO campaign will go down as one of the biggest shocks in women’s football history.
