Les Bleues get off to a fantastic start!

France Women made a dream start to the Euro 2022 tournament in England, thrashing Italy (5-1) in their first outing in Group D. All five of France's goals came in the first half, with a hat-trick from Grace Geyoro (9', 40', 45') and goals from Marie-Antoinette Katoto (12') and Delphine Cascarino (38'). Mylène Chavas and Ella Palis were named on the bench, and did not make it onto the field this time.

Charlotte Bilbault and Eve Périsset, however, both played the full 90 minutes. Both ex-Girondines were on fine form, constantly threatening the Italian defence. Bordeaux's Elena Linari also started for Italy. Despite struggling through the first half, like the rest of her team, things picked up in the second period and she even had a chance on goal. Elsewhere in Group D, Belgium and Iceland drew 1-1. Corinne Diacre's next game will be on Thursday 14 July against Belgium, and victory would see France already qualified for the quarter-finals.