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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Guardian sport

How early has a defending champion exited an international tournament?

Spain's Diego Costa reacts during their 2014 World Cup exit; Brazil's Pele following their 3-1 defeat to Portugal at the World Cup in 1966; USA's Megan Rapinoe after missing a penalty at the World Cup in 2023
Diego Costa reacts after Spain’s 2014 World Cup exit; Brazil's Pelé following the defeat to Portugal in 1966; USWNT's Megan Rapinoe misses a penalty at the 2023 World Cup. Composite: Getty

“The Lionesses will be out of Euro 2025 after two games if they lose to the Netherlands on Wednesday and France avoid defeat against Wales,” laments Sarah Cassidy. “Would that be the earliest a defending champion has been eliminated at a major international tournament?”

In a less deathly group, England’s 2-1 defeat by France on Saturday would have been a wake-up call rather than a final warning. But that’s what it was, and if England lose to the Netherlands their title defence will probably be over after two games. Even a draw would leave them needing favours from other teams.

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