France vs England LIVE: Lionesses result and final score from vital Euro 2025 qualifier
France 1-2 England: The Lionesses revived their chances of claiming an automatic qualification spot for Euro 2025 as they held on to victory in Saint-Etienne
England claimed a stunning win in France to spark life into their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a vital 2-1 victory in Saint-Etienne.
The Lionesses were beaten by France in Newcastle on Friday but manager Sarina Wiegman’s decision to play an unchanged outfield line-up was rewarded with an improved display from the European champions.
Georgia Stanway’s stunning strike gave the Lionesses the lead midway through the opening half, before Alessia Russo met Lauren Hemp’s excellent cross to double England’s advantage.
Russo, in particular, deserved her goal following a brilliant all-round display leading the line, but the second half was a different story for England as France took control in search of an equaliser.
The hosts were given hope as Leah Williamson caught Grace Geyoro in the box and Kadidiatou Diani sent Hannah Hampton the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Hampton then made a stunning save to deny Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the dying moments, as England held on and France suffered their first home defeat in five years.
Follow all the reaction below as England claimed their first win away to France in 51 years
France 0-2 England
59 mins: England have reacted well and seem to have slowed France down in the last five minutes or so. Stanway drives forward to win a corner, which England take short. Bronze picks out Stanway on the edge of the box, but it’s blazed over.
France 0-2 England
55 mins: CHANCE! Better again from France. Bacha leads the break and Katoto beats Williamson with a smart feint and turn in the box. Katoto fluffs the shot, though, as England clear.
The Lionesses are going to have to soak up some pressure, though.
France 0-2 England
53 mins: The changes have worked for France, with Bacha now enjoying more of the ball. The left-back unleashes a strike from a long way out and catches it well. Thankfully for England, it drifts wide.
France 0-2 England
50 mins: Hannah Hampton, who is in for the injured Mary Earps, hasn’t seen too much of the ball but has to be quick off her line to beat Katoto to the through ball.
The goalkeeper has been calm on the ball, though, after an impressive season with Chelsea.
France 0-2 England
47 mins: An early chance for France as Bacha gets down the left wing and finds Katoto. The striker, who was quiet in the first half, can’t kepe her header down.
France 0-2 England
The players are back out in St Etienne. Cascarino, the Lyon winger, is one of two France changes - Toletti has also replaced Henry.
No changes for England, who were excellent.
HALF TIME! France 0-2 England
A superb first half for England. The Lionesses lead France 2-0 at the break, thanks to a sublime hit from Stanway and an excellent header from Russo, who has been outstanding leading the line.
France 0-2 England
45+2 mins: Stanway slides in and gives away a free-kick in midfield, which gives the towering France captain Renard the chance to get forward. Renard wins the header, but England are able to scramble clear!
France 0-2 England
45 mins: We’ll have four minutes added on. Russo almost broke in behind again, while France are showing some signs of life before the break. It’s very open, still.
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