France 1-2 England: Lionesses exact revenge on Les Bleus as Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo strike to boost Euro 2025 qualification hopes

It is when their credentials are called into question that this England team seems to produce its best performances.

Since 1973 the Lionesses had not managed to beat France away from home. But on a night when they needed to show why they are the reigning European champions, they responded emphatically. Kathryn Batte at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium

England had failed to light up this Euro 2025 qualifying group before last night’s match. The performances had felt, for the most part, flat and predictable. They seemed tired and at times seemingly out of ideas. England remains one of the best teams in the world, although they have not shown it enough since the World Cup.

When Georgia Stanway’s 25-yard piledriver flew into the back of the net, it felt like a combination of pent-up frustration, passion and desire all rolled into one.

After Stanway’s super goal got them off the ground, two of last summer’s stars, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo, combined to score a second goal before the break. England haven’t really come close to the performances we saw at Euro 2022 for some time, but last night was like turning back the clock. They were the Lionesses at their best. Fluid, fearless and attacking football.

There was still sloppiness at times, with a sloppy piece of defense giving France a penalty and a route back into the game in the 70th minute. But overall, this performance was a reminder that if they manage to qualify for the tournament Next summer, they will be contenders again.

With only two teams advancing automatically from this four-team group, it was crucial for England to get a positive result in Saint-Etienne.

France’s victory over the Lionesses at St James’ Park five days earlier had left Sarina Wiegman’s side in third place going into last night’s game. Sweden’s narrow victory against the Republic of Ireland earlier in the day had also added an extra level of pressure.

Wiegman was asked if his tactics and team selection had become too predictable after last week’s defeat at St James’ Park.

The England coach had insisted they did not need to alter their style of play and stood firm by naming the same 10 outfield players who started the first match for Les Blues, with Hannah Hampton replacing the injured Mary Earps in goal.

France, who had been quite defensive in the first match, made two changes and also switched to a more offensive formation.

While England suffered more pressure in their own area than last week, it meant there were spaces they could exploit at the other end of the pitch. Alessia Russo perhaps should have put England ahead when she connected with Beth Mead’s cross, but she could only fire wide from close range.

The Lionesses were on top, but they missed the pass and the final shot. That was until a lightning bolt from the edge of the box provided the spark they were missing. Lauren Hemp found space on the left and teed up Stanway, who fired an unstoppable shot past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

France were in disarray and just after the hour England doubled their lead when Russo curled a perfect Hemp cross into the bottom left corner.

France had been unable to get a shot on goal until England presented them with their first chance in the 70th minute.

Ella Toone was carelessly caught in possession in her own half and Grace Geyoro ran into the area before being brought down by Leah Williamson. It was a clear penalty and Kadidiatou Diani stepped up to send Hampton the wrong way.

France increased the pressure as the match drew to a close and England needed a great save from Hampton to prevent Marie-Antoinette Katoto from equalizing at the death.