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
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FT England 1-2 France
Mary Earps has been spotted on crutches as England head off the pitch. That doesn’t look good for the England No. 1 who will probably miss the match against France on Tuesday now too.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 22:06
FT England 1-2 France
Reaction from former England and Manchester City goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley, on BBC Radio 5 Live:
“It’s been an exceptional performance from France, very professional. They were fantastic finishes.
“They executed their game plan really well. Unfortunately it was slightly untidy from the Lionesses at times and they didn’t manage to put away the chances they had.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 22:03
Full-time! England 1-2 France
90+5 mins: There goes the final whistle. England have been beaten at St. James’ Park. They were off the pace again and were punished in the second half by a well drilled France.
The Lionesses drop to third in Group A3 and now must win away from home to get themselves back in contention in the group.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 22:01
England 1-2 France
90+3 mins: It’s all game management now from France. Maintaining possession, keeping England at bay and running down the clock.
Can the Lionesses create one more chance?
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:53
England 1-2 France
90 mins: There’s another five minutes of added time to play at the end of the game. Five minutes for England to get their equaliser.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:51
England 1-2 France
86 mins: Kelly and Bronze combine in the penalty area with the right-back dancing into the six-yard box. She tries to put the ball on a plate for Russo but Lakrar gets back to intercept and block the pass.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:47
England 1-2 France
83 mins: De Almeida chips a pass over the top of the England defence but Diani is slightly offside as she makes her dart in behind. France are in control of this game, England need to create something late in this game.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:43
England 1-2 France
80 mins: Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly are met with loud rounds of applause as they come onto the pitch for England. Beth Mead and Georgia Stanway are the two players replaced.
Can the substitutes have the deserved impact for Sarina Wiegman?
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:40
England 1-2 France
77 mins: Time is ticking away from England. France are maintain this lead well enough and defending their own box with relative comfort.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:39
England 1-2 France
74 mins: Katoto, who could possibly have won this game for France, fouls Stanway inside England’s half. The Lionesses work the ball out to the right and try a threaded pass in behind.
It’s too heavy and Russo has no chance to get to the ball.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 21:35