England suffered a blow in their UEFA Euro 2025 qualifying campaign as they were beaten 2-1 by France at St James’ Park on Friday night.
The Lionesses had the opportunity to take control of their group, which also consists of Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, but instead they slipped to third in the standings with it all to do in their remaining three games.
Despite Beth Mead’s early opener, a goal in each half from France inflicted an agonising defeat on the Lionesses.
How the game unfolded
It was a rather lacklustre start to the game at St James’ Park as both sides attempted to feel their way into the game. England were handed a significant blow early doors, however, as goalkeeper Mary Earps picked up an injury in the opening 10 minutes of her 50th Lionesses appearance and was replaced by Hannah Hampton.
The first real chance of the game fell to Ella Toone on 20 minutes as she scuffed a cutback from Lauren Hemp and it rolled wide. England eventually got their goal on the half-hour mark, courtesy of a Beth Mead strike from close range.
France’s first big opportunity came from a set piece as Maelle Lakrar connected with a corner kick and her header was goal-bound. Hampton, outstretched, was able to punch it away and out for another corner.
Elisa De Almeida produced an exquisite finish for France’s equaliser before half-time. A corner dropped kindly for her and she side-footed it into the top corner, giving Hampton absolutely no chance on that occasion.
Mead almost scored a second moments before the break as Lucy Bronze broke down the right and played a pinpoint through ball for the Arsenal star to run onto. Mead looked to curl an effort into the top left corner, but was expertly denied by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the France goal.
France very nearly put themselves in front early in the second half as Delphine Cascarino danced her way into the box, but struck her effort just wide of the far post. Marie-Antoinette Katoto was the one to put the visitors ahead with 20 minutes left to play.
England didn’t deal with a corner and in the second phase of play, the forward was able to bury an effort beyond Hampton. Set pieces proved to be the Lionesses’ downfall once again.
Substitute Chloe Kelly carved an opening late on, but her effort from range dipped over the bar and went out for a goal kick. Despite England seeing the majority of the ball, France remained risk averse and held out for the win.
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