England bolstered their chances of qualifying for Euro 2025 with a determined 2-1 victory over France in Saint-Etienne. Just four days after a 2-1 defeat to the same opponents at St James’ Park, the defending European champions showcased their potential with a brilliant first-half performance but had to withstand a tense finish.
Georgia Stanway set the tone early, putting England ahead with a thunderous strike. Alessia Russo then doubled the lead, nodding in Lauren Hemp’s curling cross before halftime. France missed a crucial chance when Kadidiatou Diani headed wide from close range on their first set-piece before the break.
France responded after halftime when England captain Leah Williamson conceded a penalty, which Diani converted, sending goalkeeper Hannah Hampton the wrong way after Williamson’s trip on Grace Geyoro. Hampton, stepping in for the injured Mary Earps, had a quiet first half but faced increased pressure as France turned up the intensity in the second half.
Clinging to a slim lead, Hampton made a crucial save to deny Marie-Antoinette Katoto from close range, securing England’s vital victory. This win moved England two points behind Group A3 leaders France, though they remain in third place on goal difference.
Manager Sarina Wiegman’s decision to stick with her selection choices, despite criticism for a lack of rotation, paid off. “I think we played a very good first half and created many chances too,” Wiegman said. “The second half was always going to be different because they want to force goals. We had to work really hard to get the win.”
Wiegman emphasized the importance of fielding the best players and being unpredictable. “For me, it is putting the best players on the pitch. That’s basically my job, of course,” she said. “We want to be unpredictable. I think today we did really well.”
England’s improved performance and the hard-fought victory provide a boost to their Euro 2025 qualification campaign, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level.
