By Hannah Pinnock
England secured a much-needed 2-1 win over France in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday night to keep their hopes of qualifying for next summer’s Euros firmly alive.
Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was the stage for what was one of the Lionesses’ strongest first-half performances since the 2022 European Championships, rounded off by goals from Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo. France were much stronger after the break and pulled a goal back through a penalty from Kadidiatou Diani.
The late onslaught from France resulted in a nervy and tense end to the game, but Sarina Wiegman’s side did just enough to hang on to their slender lead. It was a much stronger, professional and clinical display from the Lionesses after Friday’s result acted as a much-needed wake up call for a team struggling to find their best form.
Now, England have it all to play for in their final qualifying group games against the Republic of Ireland and Sweden next month.
Here’s five things we learned from England’s crucial win over France…
England reignite automatic qualification hopes
It’s fair to say the Lionesses reclaimed some lost pride after Friday’s defeat in Newcastle. England hadn’t won an away game against France since 1973, so there was an understandable expectation Tuesday night would be no different.
Yet, Wiegman’s side turned up to Saint-Etienne with a point to prove and that first-half display was one of the most complete performances under the current manager. The second half was much tougher, but England used their experience and maturity to get over the line.
Their position in the table hasn’t changed, but it’s a far more positive outlook for the team as they head into July’s fixtures against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. At the very least, it keeps qualification in England’s hands if they’re to win both of their remaining games.
Wiegman’s team selection risk pays off
Eyebrows were justifiably raised prior to kick-off as the team news dropped. In spite of Friday’s lacklustre display at St James’ Park, England boss Wiegman opted to stick with the same starting lineup, with Hannah Hampton coming in for the injured Mary Earps as the only exception.
There were plenty of calls for fresh legs and Alex Greenwood was among the players tipped to get some minutes on Tuesday night. Had the result not gone England’s way, it’s fair to say some rare criticism might have been levelled at the manager.
The risk more than paid off, though, and Wiegman was vindicated in her decisions. The defensive partnership of Millie Bright and Leah Williamson, although still not bulletproof, looked far stronger in comparison to Friday.
In midfield England looked far stronger, too. Keira Walsh was more involved and both Ella Toone and Stanway justified their selections, the latter with a fierce strike to open the scoring in the first half.
Toone earns 50th England cap
Toone picked up her 50th cap for the Lionesses on Tuesday night and put in a relentless display in the process. She looked absolutely shattered by the time she was substituted for Fran Kirby in the second half, which was testament to the shift she put in.
Wiegman spoke highly of the midfielder pre-match and highlighted the progress she continues to make in an England shirt.
"I think she has developed very much and she is in a really good place," the England manager told ITV post-match. "She becomes more and more aware about what she has to do and the bigger picture of the game.
"I think she can still improve defensively, but from when we started working together to where she is now, she has already improved a lot. I hope there is lots more to come."
Russo passes litmus test
The number nine position has been something of a debate for England ever since Ellen White hung up her boots in 2022. Rachel Daly and Russo were the two players tussling for the shirt in recent years, but after Daly also announced her retirement from international football in April, Russo is now the Lionesses’ focal point in the forward line.
Russo will rightfully earn all the plaudits after Tuesday night’s performance, in what was one of her strongest in an England shirt. She showed composure on the ball when her teammates struggled, her hold-up play was integral to their dominance in the first-half and a goal was the absolute very least she deserved.
To also play 90 minutes across both games against France is highly commendable. The Arsenal striker has barely had a moment's rest since the end of the Women’s Super League season as she jetted off to Australia for exhibition matches with her club, before heading straight to St George’s Park to prepare for England’s qualifying double header.
Earps' absence is nothing to worry about
Silence fell upon St James’ Park on Friday night when Earps first went to ground and signalled to the bench. Despite her attempts to play through the pain, the Manchester United shot-stopper was ultimately forced off with a hip injury just minutes into the first game against France.
Enter, Hampton. The Chelsea goalkeeper couldn’t have been further away from the England squad only a matter of two years ago, but both of her performances against France over the last few days proves the Lionesses have an array of talented goalkeepers.
For now, Earps is England’s uncontested number one. But, at just 23 years of age, Hampton has already shown she has what it takes to permanently take the reins at some point in the future.
The Chelsea goalkeeper had very little to do in the first half against France, but her outstanding reflex save to deny Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the dying stages of the game, after the France forward forced her way ahead of Lucy Bronze to tap in a cross, cannot be understated.
READ THE LATEST WOMEN'S FOOTBALL NEWS
This article was originally published on 90min.com as 5 things we learned after England get revenge against France in Euro 2025 qualifying.
