England's bid to defend their Euros title took a major hit, as France outclassed the Lionesses on a night where the midfield battle proved decisive.

France can play even better despite putting on a strong performance to comfortably beat England 2-1 in their Women's Euros Group D opener on Saturday, Les Bleus manager Laurent Bonadei said.

Keira Walsh reduced the deficit three minutes from time but it wasn't enough to prevent England from becoming the first titleholder to lose its opening match at a women’s Euros.