England take on Group A3 leaders France at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park tonight, as Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses try to take charge of their Women’s Euros 2025 qualifying campaign.
An opening 1-1 draw with Sweden was not in the script, but England bounced back with a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, and victory tonight would send them to the top of the group, above tonight’s opponents France, who recorded 1-0 wins over both the Irish and the Swedes, and would relish the chance to continue their 100 per cent record against the reigning European champions.
Lauren James has been ruled out of the game while Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy have both withdrawn from the squad due to injury.
Follow all the action from England v France in Euro 2025 qualifying below:
England 0-0 France
2 mins: A regulation pass from Mary Earps sees her go down off the ball before the corner is taken. The physios have come on to treat her and from the stretches it seems to be a problem with her hip.
Not the start she’d want for her 50th England appearance.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 20:02
Kick off! England 0-0 France
Alessia Russo gets the ball rolling for this crucial Euro 2025 qualifier. England have a poor record against France but they’ll be hoping to banish those demons at St. James’ Park tonight.
Delphine Cascarino presses high and puts Millie Bright under pressure. She blocks Bright’s pass and wins France a corner.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 20:01
England vs France
The players walk out onto the pitch and the national anthems are sung. This is going to be a cracking game. Kick off is up next…
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:56
England vs France
Fran Kirby has scored in both of England’s last two meetings with France, only scoring more times in her international career against Sweden (3); the last Chelsea player to score on home soil for the Lionesses was Lauren James in February 2023 against Korea Republic.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:50
England vs France
Only Beth Mead (24) has scored more goals for England under Sarina Wiegman than Alessia Russo (18), who has scored six goals in her six qualifiers for the Lionesses (5 in 4 World Cup qualifiers, 1 in 2 Euros qualifiers).
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:45
England vs France
This will be Sarina Wiegman’s 50th game in charge of England, becoming the fourth manager to hit a half of century of games in charge of the Lionesses after Hope Powell (161), Martin Reagan (68) and Mark Sampson (59). Wiegman (W37 D8 L4) could equal Sampson (38) for the second most wins in the nation’s history in this match with only Powell winning more (85).
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:40
England vs France
England will play at St. James’ Park for the very first time with this the 87th different ground they’ve used as a home venue; they have won four of their last five games when playing at a new stadium in England with the exception a 2-0 loss to Australia at the Brentford Community Stadium last April.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:35
England vs France
England are unbeaten in each of their last 28 European Championship qualifiers since an 8-0 loss away to Norway in June 2000 (W22 D6), scoring 85 goals and conceding just nine times.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:30
England vs France
France have won four of their last five away games in all competitions, keeping a clean sheet in three of those victories; their only loss in that time came against world champions Spain in Sevilla.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:25
England vs France
England won 12 of their first 15 home (excl. neutral venue) matches in all competitions under manager Sarina Wiegman (D3) but have since won just three of seven such games (D3 L1).
Mike Jones31 May 2024 19:20