The Independent
·4 June 2024
The Independent
·4 June 2024
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England claimed a stunning win in France to spark life into their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a vital 2-1 victory in Saint-Etienne.
The Lionesses were beaten by France in Newcastle on Friday but manager Sarina Wiegman’s decision to play an unchanged outfield line-up was rewarded with an improved display from the European champions.
Georgia Stanway’s stunning strike gave the Lionesses the lead midway through the opening half, before Alessia Russo met Lauren Hemp’s excellent cross to double England’s advantage.
Russo, in particular, deserved her goal following a brilliant all-round display leading the line, but the second half was a different story for England as France took control in search of an equaliser.
The hosts were given hope as Leah Williamson caught Grace Geyoro in the box and Kadidiatou Diani sent Hannah Hampton the wrong way from the penalty spot.
Hampton then made a stunning save to deny Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the dying moments, as England held on and France suffered their first home defeat in five years.
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The England manager was speaking to ITV:
“A team effort. You know the second half is going to be different and they are going to push, but we worked so hard to stay together and keep the win.
“Of course it gives a boost. We 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 level teams. It helps when you win, but most of all we did better than Friday.”
On Alessia Russo’s performance:
“She’s working so hard on that [hold-up play] and being in right positions in the build-up, being in the right positions when we come in the final third. You saw today and Friday she played a proper game too.”
(The FA via Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood4 June 2024 22:28
So with two games to go:
France have nine points and Sweden and England have seven. France play Sweden next so someone will drop points.
Jamie Braidwood4 June 2024 22:03