Overloaded in midfield, outpaced in defence and second best in one-v-ones, England were given a taste of the level they need to reach if they are to retain their crown.'Bullied all over the pitch'The bulk of England's issues seemed to stem from midfield as Georgia Stanway and Walsh were overrun and their opponents were devastating on the break.

The defending champions begin their Euro 2025 campaign against fellow-heavyweights France in a blockbuster Group D clash. Both sides' lead-up to the tournament has been far from smooth. England were rocked by the double-blow of Mary Earps' retirement and Millie Bright's decision to pull out of selection.

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.