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 0-0 England
17 mins: CHANCE! Great play from England down the right, with Mead getting beyond Bronze and wasting no time to flash a cross into the box.
Russo was on the move and got to the front post, but the striker couldn’t direct her effort onto goal.
France 0-0 England
14 mins: A really scrappy spell as England can’t keep the ball in midfield and France can’t do anything with it. This is not the assertive start Wiegman would have wanted after keeping the same team from Friday.
France 0-0 England
11 mins: England look quite easy to cut through early on, which is presenting Geyoro with space to drive into when France can win the ball back. Diani looked to be through but couldn’t stay onside and Geyoro could not find the pass.
France 0-0 England
9 mins: Williamson is back on her feet. It was just a graze on her knee I think after Diani’s studs caught her, rather than anything more serious.
France 0-0 England
7 mins: CHANCE! End-to-end! A chance for France straight away, as the hosts fly down the left. The ball is put across the face by Karchaoui down the left - Diani is stretching but can’t make contact with Williamson sliding in.
The England captain has picked up a cut to her knee and has stayed down.
France 0-0 England
6 mins: CHANCE! First opportunity goes England’s way, and Ella Toone should do better! It’s a lovely run from the midfielder, cutting into the box. But her touch takes her close to the defender and then Toone doesn’t make a good enough connection. It dribbles wide.
France 0-0 England
5 mins: England then drop off as France take control of possession on halfway. Diani looks to sprint behind Carter but De Almedia’s pass is overhit. It should be another busy night for Carter up against the Lyon star.
France 0-0 England
2 mins: England are looking to make an aggressive start. Henry won possession back in midfield and there was suddenly a lot of space for Geyoro to drive into it. The Lionesses were able to recover.
There were then space for Hemp in behind but De Almedia cut off the ball well.
France vs England LIVE: Kick-off next!
Here we go. Always love La Marseillaise.
But it’s been a long time since France lost at home. Can England claim a huge win tonight?
France’s manager from the 1998 World Cup, Aimé Jacquet, makes the ceremonial kick-off.
He played for St Etienne.
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