France vs England LIVE: Lionesses result and final score from vital Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier as Hannah Hampton makes crucial save after Alessia Russo header and stunning Georgia Stanway strike

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England claimed a stunning win in France to spark life into their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a vital 2-0 victory in Saint-Etienne.

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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.

France had the chance to claim the first automatic qualification spot from Group A3 – but England put themselves back in contention as they moved above Sweden into second place.

France continue to lead the way on nine points, with England and Sweden level on seven after four matches played. England play Ireland, who are bottom with four defeats,in their next fixture next month, before finishing with a trip to Sweden.

Follow all reaction below.

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FULL TIME! France 1-2 England – Alessia Russo’s reaction

Alessia Russo, who was surely player of the match, speaking to ITV:

“I think we got our standard’s back to where we wanted them. There are still parts we will work on for sure. We know the level is higher than ever and to even qualify for the Euros is going to be harder than ever.

“I’m just trying to work hard. I’m learning there is so much more to the nine [than scoring]. I’m just trying to work on my game each day.

“We know our standards have to be higher. We probably let them slip a bit recently. We know the talent we have, we know the potential we have and we saw a lot more flashes of it tonight.”

Jamie Braidwood4 June 2024 22:12

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