It is when their credentials are thrown into question that this England team seem to produce their best performances.
Not since 1973 had the Lionesses managed to beat France away from home. But on a night where they needed to prove why they are the reigning European champions, they responded emphatically. Kathryn Batte at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard
England had failed to light up this Euro 2025 qualifying group before last night’s game. Performances had felt, for the most part, flat and predictable. They had looked tired and, at times, seemingly out of ideas. England are still one of the world’s best teams, even if they have not shown it enough since the World Cup.
When Georgia Stanway’s 25-yard pile driver flew into the back of the net, it felt like a combination of built-up frustration, passion and desire all into one.
After Stanway’s super strike had given them lift off, two of the stars of last summer, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo, combined for a second goal before half-time. England had not really got close to the performances we saw at Euro 2022 for some time but last night was like rewinding the clock. It was the Lionesses at their best. Free-flowing, fearless, attacking football.
There was still sloppiness at times, with a carless piece of defending providing France with a penalty and route back into the game in the 70th minute. But overall, this performance was a reminder that, should they go on to secure qualification for next summer’s tournament, they will once again be contenders.
With only two teams progressing automatically from this four-team group, it was crucial England picked up 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 coming into last night’s game. Sweden’s narrow win against the Republic of Ireland earlier in the day had also added an extra level of pressure.
Wiegman had been questioned over whether her tactics and team selection had become too predictable after last week’s defeat at St James’ Park.
The England manager had insisted they did not need to alter their style of play and stuck to her guns by naming the same 10 outfield players that started the first fixture with Les Blues, with Hannah Hampton replacing an injured Mary Earps in goal.
France, who had been fairly defensive in the first fixture, made two changes and also switched to a more attack-minded formation.
While it saw England put under more pressure in their own box than they had been last week, it meant there were gaps they could exploit at the other end of the pitch. Alessia Russo should perhaps have put England ahead when she connected with Beth Mead’s cross, but could only fire wide from close range.
The Lionesses were on top, but the final pass and finish was evading them. That was until a thunderbolt from the edge of the box provided the spark they had been lacking. Lauren Hemp found space on the left and teed up Stanway, who arrowed an unstoppable shot past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
France were in disarray and just past the hour mark England doubled their lead when Russo flicked Hemp’s inch-perfect cross into the bottom left corner.
France had failed to have a shot on target until England presented them with their first opportunity in the 70th minute.
Ella Toone was carelessly caught in possession in her own half and Grace Geyoro drove into the box before being tripped by Leah Williamson. It was a clear penalty and Kadidiatou Diani stepped up to send Hampton the wrong way.
France piled on the pressure as the game grew to a close and England needed a huge save from Hampton to prevent Marie-Antoinette Katoto from equalising at the death.