England’s defeat to France in their recent Euro 2025 qualifying match served as a wake-up call for the Lionesses. Trailing five points behind the group leaders, England needed to rekindle the performances that led them to European glory two years ago. Captain Leah Williamson gathered the team together to address their indifferent form before the reverse fixture against France.
The team’s discussion clearly had an impact as England emerged victorious in the rematch, winning 2-1 in Saint-Etienne. The first-half performance was particularly impressive, reminiscent of their success in Euro 2022. Midfielder Georgia Stanway, who scored the opening goal with a stunning strike, highlighted the importance of the team’s talks and their determination to raise their level of play.
England’s victory was not only significant for the result but also for their overall performance. The center-back pairing of Williamson and Millie Bright was solid, and players like Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo stood out with their contributions. However, what truly stood out was England’s resilience in the face of France’s relentless pressure in the second half. Every player battled fiercely, both in and out of possession, showing a level of determination that had been lacking in previous matches.
The victory against France silenced some of the doubts surrounding England’s capabilities. Striker Alessia Russo emphasized that they had proven people wrong and demonstrated their potential as a team. Despite underwhelming performances earlier in the year, England’s standards were on display on Tuesday. They were fully aware that nothing less than three points would suffice, and their focus and dedication were evident throughout the match.
Defensively, England showed great resolve against France, limiting their opponents to just two shots on target. The team displayed an extra level of fight, with players like Lucy Bronze and Chloe Kelly making crucial blocks, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton producing a superb save to deny France an equalizer. Defender Jess Carter acknowledged that the team’s standards had not been up to par, but their ability to fight and grind through difficult moments was evident in this match.
England manager Sarina Wiegman was frustrated by the goals conceded in the previous match, particularly from set-pieces. However, she expressed her team’s determination to improve and prove their capabilities. The victory over France showcased the standard of play that England aspires to, and they are committed to working hard in every second of the game to maintain that level.
In conclusion, England’s victory over France not only secured three crucial points in the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign but also demonstrated their ability to bounce back from defeat and raise their performance levels. The team’s discussions and renewed determination were evident on the pitch, and their resilience in the face of pressure was commendable. This victory served as a reminder of England’s potential and their commitment to reaching the highest standards of play.