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

(REUTERS)

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:

Euro 2025 qualifiers - England vs France LIVE

• England stunned at St. James’s Park as Marie-Antoinette Katoto completes comeback win in Euro qualifier
• Mary Earps subbed off with early injury
• 68’ GOAL! - Katoto curls France into the lead (ENG 1-2 FRA)
• 45+3’ SAVE! - Peyraud-Magnin denies Mead on stroke of half-time (ENG 1-1 FRA)
• 41’ GOAL! - De Almeida volleys in the equaliser (ENG 1-1 FRA)
• 33’ SAVE! - Hampton leaps to the left and denies Lukrar (ENG 1-0 FRA)
• 30’ GOAL! - Mead’s calm touch puts the Lionesses ahead (ENG 1-0 FRA)
• 23’ CLOSE! - Toone curls one wide for England (ENG 0-0 FRA)

[31 May 2024 18:05 · Mike Jones]

England vs France team news

Sarina Wiegman has suffered a blow with Lauren James ruled out of both this and Tuesday’s game, while Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy have been forced to withdraw from England’s squad with calf and foot injuries respectively. Maya Le Tissier has been called up to provide defensive cover.

Eugenie Le Sommer is absent for France due to injury, while Vicki Becho will serve a suspension having been dismissed in stoppage time of the win over Sweden.

[31 May 2024 18:00 · Mike Jones]

How to watch England vs France

England vs France is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 31 May at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on ITV4, with coverage on the channel from 7.15pm. A live stream will be available via ITVX.

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.

[31 May 2024 16:00 · Mike Jones]

Good evening!

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers. England are taking on France at St. James’ Park in Group A3.

Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are currently second in the table following a 1-1 draw with Sweden and a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

France are unbeaten in the group having won both of their matches so far. They top the group but the next two matches could determine which side has a firm grip on first place.

England play consecutive matches versus Les Bleus and will open up a four point lead on their opponents if they win both of them.

We’ll have all the team news, updates and more throughout the night so stick around as we build up to kick off at 8pm.