England Women’s defence of their European title got off to a losing start, beaten 2-1 by France in Zurich.

It is the first time a reigning champion has lost their opening game of the following tournament, with the Lionesses largely outplayed and outfought by the impressive French.

But their performance was bookended with two bright spells. Alessia Russo had the ball in the back of the net in the 16th minute, but her strike was ruled out by VAR for a Beth Mead offside in the build-up.

France reacted the better, taking advantage of England’s sloppy play and using their advantage down both wings – Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter struggling against the pace of Sandy Baltimore and Delphine Cascarino.

And it was another run from the latter that set France up for a deserved opener. Her pass into the box was turned home by Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who had drifted in behind Leah Williamson.

Three minutes later and France doubled their lead, with England conceding the total number of goals they let in during Euro 2022 (2) in the space of a few minutes.

Baltimore shrugged off the double challenge of Williamson and Chelsea team-mate Bronze attempting the cross. England’s right-back stuck out a leg to block, but that only sent the ball back to the winger, who then turned home.

There was a VAR review for a foul on Russo in the build-up, but the technology stuck with the on-field decision to let the goal stand, sending the usually stoic Sarina Wiegman into an angry outburst at the fourth official.

France continued to look comfortable in the second half – until England were offered a lifeline in the 87th minute. Keira Walsh, who had struggled to pull the strings for the Lionesses as she so often does, rifled home from a cleared corner for just her second international goal.

The Lionesses continued to push – Michelle Agyemang looking bright when she came on as a late substitute – with Lauren Hemp having a poked effort cleared off the line after Pauline Peyraud-Magnin left her goal open.

But it was not enough for England to snatch an undeserved point, leaving them third in Group D. They will need to win their next two games against the Netherlands and Wales to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.