Holders England beat France 2-1 to rekindle Euro 2025 hopes
With a 2-1 away win in a qualifier on Tuesday, reigning champions England exacted revenge on group leaders France and rekindled their hopes of an automatic spot in the women's Euro 2025 final.
After being defeated 2-1 in Newcastle on Friday, England dropped to third place in Group A3, but the Lionesses were determined to win in France for the first time since 1973.
Georgia Stanway, set up by Lauren Hemp, fired an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box in the 21st minute, and Alessia Russo made it 2-0 in the 34th with a bouncing header off another excellent cross from Hemp.
Kadidiatou Diani celebrated her 100th cap by scoring from the penalty spot after captain Leah Williamson tripped Grace Geyoro in the area.
The hosts suffered their first home defeat in 20 competitive matches, dating back to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals against the United States.
France maintained its lead with nine points from four games, while Sweden are second on goal difference but tied with England on seven points.
The top two in each group advance directly to next year's championship in Switzerland. The final seven spots will be decided in two rounds of playoffs later this year.
Ireland remain at the bottom of the group, with no points, after losing 1-0 in Sweden. England host Ireland on July 12 before playing Sweden away four days later in their final group game.
"Of course it gives a boost," England coach Sarina Wiegman told ITV. "You want to win and we are in a better position now.
"The group is totally open. We said from the beginning this is a really tough group with top, top level teams and that's exactly what you see."
"It helps when you win, but most of all we did better than Friday."
England started the match unchanged apart from keeper Hannah Hampton replacing Mary Earps, who suffered a minor hip injury last week.
"I think the first half was one of the best halves we've ever played," said Wiegman.
Hampton made the game's best save on 90 minutes, diving to get a hand on Marie Antoinette Katoto's shot and pushing it around the post.
France, revitalised in the second half and coming back strong, had left back Selma Bacha carried off in stoppage time following a collision with Chloe Kelly.
"Of course you know the second half is going to be different because you're 2-0 up and they are going to push but we worked so hard to stay together and keep the win," added Wiegman.
SportsLigue