After England saw goalkeeper Mary Earps depart due to injury, Beth Mead gave the Lionesses the lead on the night at St James’ Park. Elisa De Almeida drew France level with a stunning finish and Herve Renard’s side secured the win when Marie-Antoinette Katoto fired home in the second half.
France cemented their position at the top of Euro 2025 Group A3 with a 2-1 win over England.
Herve Renard’s side travelled to St James’ Park protecting a perfect record, and they made it three wins on the spin to take control of the group.
The top two teams qualify automatically for Euro 2025, but defeat combined with Sweden’s win over Ireland saw England drop to third in the standings.
The Lionesses were dealt an early blow, as Mary Earps picked up an injury inside the opening 30 seconds.
The goalkeeper attempted to play on following lengthy treatment, but pulled up sharply when attempting a clearance and was forced off inside eight minutes.
France’s direct play at pace had England backtracking early in the contest, but Earps’ replacement Hannah Hampton was rarely tested.
England should have moved ahead on 23 minutes, but Ella Toone dragged a shot off target from eight yards after excellent link-up play between Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.
While Toone was profligate, Beth Mead was not. France failed to clear a loose ball in their box on the half-hour mark and paid the price as the Arsenal forward collected possession, steadied herself and slotted home.
France’s equaliser came from an unlikely source, but defender Elisa De Almeida’s volleyed finish with her back to goal on 41 minutes was a moment of brilliance.
Chances were at a premium in the second half, but it was the visitors who crafted the vital one on 69 minutes.
England failed on a number of occasions to clear the ball from a corner, and Kadidiatou Diani nodded down to Marie-Antoinette Katoto to volley home.
The home side chased for an equaliser and were frustrated when a Lucy Bronze cross was cleared with Russo poised to tap into an empty net as France held on for the win.
England will have the chance to exact revenge when Sarina Wiegman takes her team to Saint-Etienne for the reverse fixture on Tuesday.