England vs France LIVE: Euro 2025 qualifier result and reaction as Katoto goal gives visitors crucial win
England 1-2 France: Marie Antoinette Katoto’s second half strike decided the game in Les Bleus’ favour
England suffered defeat in their Euro 2025 qualifier against France leaving them in a precarious position in Group A3. Coming into the match second in the table, the Lionesses would have ended the night top had they been victorious.
Sarina Wiegman’s side managed to shake off a lethargic start to open the scoring with Lauren Hemp darting into the left side of the penalty area and picking out Beth Mead. The returning Arsenal winger took control of the ball and slotted it home to open the scoring at St. James’ Park.
However, France equalised before the break with Elisa De Almeida meeting a corner ball and volleying the equaliser into the far top corner. Hannah Hampton, subbed onto the pitch after an early injury to Mary Earps couldn’t reach the pinpoint accurate shot.
The match was then settled in the second half from another French corner. England failed to deal with the initial ball and Kadidiatou Diani nodded it back to Marie-Antoinette Katoto who’s swivel shot finished in the bottom corner.
Sweden’s win over the Republic of Ireland means England drop to third and will need to beat France away from home in their next match to get back in contention in this group.
Relive the action from England v France in Euro 2025 qualifying below:
England 1-1 France
54 mins: Hemp curls a corner ball into the box and finds Russo. She nods the ball towards goal but hits Millie Bright and France clear the danger.
England have started well in this half.
England 1-1 France
51 mins: Leah Williamson steps up the pitch for an intercept before releasing Lauren Hemp into space with a fine pass out to the left wing.
Hemp drives forward and curls in the cross with only Alessia Russo on hand to meet the ball. Wendie Renard leans into the forward and does enough to distract her as the ball goes flying over botht players’ heads.
England 1-1 France
48 mins: Sandie Toletti receives the ball after England are sloppy in possession. France turn it over high up the pitch with Toletti dancing along the front edge of the box before fizzing a low shot into the arms of Hannah Hampton.
Second half! England 1-1 France
No changes from either manager as the second half gets underway. France work the ball over to the right wing but it’s quickly picked up by England who win themselves a throw in.
HT England 1-1 France
England are dominating the stats with more possession (56% to 44%), more shots (6 to 4) and more touches in the box (15 to 7). Yet the stat that matters is that both teams have scored just one goal.
Sarina Wiegman will be able to see the signs that her team can go on to win this match but England will need to find another level to make it comfortable.
Protesters gather outside Hampden Park ahead of Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier versus Israel
Protesters gathered around Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow ahead of Scotland Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier versus Israel this evening.
The crowds were protesting Israel’s continued participation in international football following the country’s part in an ongoing conflict against Palestine.
Intense shelling and gunfire in the Gaza border city of Rafah is the latest update from the conflict with Israel saying it is now in effective control of Gaza’s entire land border.
Protesters gather outside Hampden Park ahead of Scotland’s Euro qualifier vs Israel
The crowds arrived at the venue for tonight’s match to protest Israel’s participation in the tournament given the escalating conflict with Palestine
HT England 1-1 France
Half-time! England 1-1 France
45+5 mins: Nothing to separate the teams at the break. England started slowly but get themselves into the game and took the lead through Beth Mead.
France looked bereft of ideas inside the final third until Elisa De Almeida took a chance from a corner and volleyed in the equaliser.
All to play for in the second half.
England 1-1 France
45+3 mins: Save!
That’s brilliant from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Lucy Bronze drives forward with the ball before offloading it to Beth Mead. The winger carries it into the box, checks to the left and curls a shot towards the far post.
Peyraud-Magnin sets herself and leaps to the right before pushing the ball wide of the goal!
England 1-1 France
45 mins: There’s five minutes of added time to play given Mary Earps’ injury early on in this match.
Jess Carter is booked for tugging on Delphine Cascarino’s shirt. France were on the counter and the defender did what she needed to to stop that attack developing.
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