ENGLAND Women’s Euro defence has got off to the worst possible start as the Lionesses lost to a tough France side. Katoto put the French stars ahead with a lovely strike after Alessia Russo

France will be without captain Griedge Mbock for its Women’s European Championship opener against England in Zurich.

England set a number of unwanted firsts as it began the defense of its Women’s European Championship title by losing to France on Saturday.

England begin their European Championships title defence against France on Saturday and their opponents have been sweating on the fitness of a key player before the game

Lauren James, who was a major doubt ahead of Sarina Wiegman’s squad selection, played her first match since April when she came on as a 63rd minute substitute in Sunday’s pre-tournament friendly — a 7-0 thrashing of Jamaica. And Wiegman said James could even start when the Lionesses kick off their title defense against France on Saturday in Zurich.