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 vs France
Only Beth Mead (24) has scored more goals for England under Sarina Wiegman than Alessia Russo (18), who has scored six goals in her six qualifiers for the Lionesses (5 in 4 World Cup qualifiers, 1 in 2 Euros qualifiers).
England vs France
This will be Sarina Wiegman’s 50th game in charge of England, becoming the fourth manager to hit a half of century of games in charge of the Lionesses after Hope Powell (161), Martin Reagan (68) and Mark Sampson (59). Wiegman (W37 D8 L4) could equal Sampson (38) for the second most wins in the nation’s history in this match with only Powell winning more (85).
England vs France
England will play at St. James’ Park for the very first time with this the 87th different ground they’ve used as a home venue; they have won four of their last five games when playing at a new stadium in England with the exception a 2-0 loss to Australia at the Brentford Community Stadium last April.
England vs France
England are unbeaten in each of their last 28 European Championship qualifiers since an 8-0 loss away to Norway in June 2000 (W22 D6), scoring 85 goals and conceding just nine times.
England vs France
France have won four of their last five away games in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in three of those victories; their only loss in that time came against world champions Spain in Sevilla.
England vs France
England won 12 of their first 15 home (excl. neutral venue) matches in all competitions under manager Sarina Wiegman (D3) but have since won just three of seven such games (D3 L1).
England vs France
After losing on their first away trip to England in 1974 (0-2), France are since unbeaten in four away games against the Lionesses without conceding; the last two meetings have finished 0-0 however, the most recent of those coming in October 2016 in a friendly.
England vs France
England have won just two of their last 23 games against France (nine draws, 12 defeats), but both victories have come across their last four meetings (L2), at the 2017 European Championships and the 2018 SheBelieves Cup.
England vs France team changes
Sarina Wiegman has named centre-back pairing Leah Williamson and Millie Bright in the team together for the first time since February 2023.
Jess Carter starts at left-back with Ella Toone starting ahead of Fran Kirby and Grace Clinton in the number 10 role and Beth Mead getting the nod over Chloe Kelly.
It’s a strong France squad with a powerful frontline consisting of Paris St-Germain’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Lyon pair Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino.
There’s also a third start in a row for Aston Villa midfielder Kenza Dali.
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