England's hopes of securing automatic qualification for Euro 2025 suffered a significant setback on Friday as the Lionesses fell to a 2-1 defeat against France at St James' Park. The loss, which ended a 22-year unbeaten run in World Cup and European Championship qualifiers, leaves the defending champions third in Group A3 with four points from three matches.
France, who came from behind to claim victory, now hold a five-point lead over England, while Sweden – 3-0 winners against the Republic of Ireland – sit level with Sarina Wiegman's side but with a superior goal difference. With only the top two teams progressing automatically to next summer's tournament in Switzerland, Tuesday's return fixture in Saint-Étienne has taken on added significance.
Having taken the lead through Beth Mead, England were undone by two goals from set pieces. Élisa de Almeida's volley and a Marie-Antoinette Katoto strike, both from corners, sealed the win for France. Midfielder Georgia Stanway acknowledged the team's failure to deal with the opposition's threat from dead balls: "The two set pieces were two very, very good finishes, we'll review it and see how we can change."
Despite dominating possession with 58% of the ball, England managed only two shots on target compared to France's four. The absence of Lauren James, who is ruled out of Tuesday's match with a foot injury, was keenly felt, and the decision to drop Alex Greenwood to accommodate the returning Leah Williamson and Millie Bright was notable, with Greenwood's threat from set pieces sorely missed. Both France goals originated from corners, a concern for the return fixture.
There are further concerns over goalkeeper Mary Earps, who left the stadium on crutches after sustaining a hip injury. Manager Sarina Wiegman defended her decision to delay substitutions, stating that changing the lineup could alter the dynamics of the team. She added: "Then we conceded and we had a chat about what kind of midfield we wanted… That's why we waited a little longer." With tough away games ahead, England must quickly find solutions to revive their qualifying campaign.
