France coach says team can still improve after beating England

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

The victory in Zurich was the first time the reigning champions have lost the opening match in a title defence of the Womens Euros.

We can do better every time, Bonadei told reporters. We have to improve in each department of the team, in defence, in midfield and offensively.

The coach said France found the going tough at the start and end of the match when England were on top. But his team made the most of their chances, scoring twice during their dominant spell while England managed only a late consolation goal.

Each game is decided on the details and its not easy to win this type of game, Bonadei said.

But I want to say that I am proud of my players, because they never give up in this game and keep control and keep calm in the difficult moments.

The performance would give France confidence for the rest of the tournament, he said, adding: We work at the training sessions every time to improve and to do better, and we want each game to make our fans proud. REUTERS