England vs France LIVE: Euro 2025 qualifyier result and reaction

Marie-Antoinette Katoto left defending champions England with a mountain to climb as France came from behind to snatch a priceless Euro 2025 qualifier victory at St James’ Park.

Beth Mead had given the Lionesses a 30th-minute lead in head coach Sarina Wiegman’s 50th game at the helm, but Elisa De Almeida levelled before the break to set the stage for Paris St Germain striker Katoto to secure a 2-1 win in front of a crowd of 42,561.

The defeat leaves England in third place in Group A3 behind the French and Sweden, who beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in Dublin, and knowing that anything less that a win in the reverse fixture in St-Etienne on Tuesday night could scupper any lingering hopes of finishing top.

England manager Sarina Wiegman, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is very disappointing. We should have won the game. No matter how good the goals were, you have a chance to stop it. The first one was fantastic and so was the second. It is disappointing and we definitely need to tighten up on second balls.

“I thought we were energised. We are going to need to be more on Tuesday in France so it doesn’t matter. It is the same for them. It’s been a long season for everyone that plays international football. That wasn’t a factor today. I felt good and I know the players around me did. We were pushing right until the end but we’re going to need more on Tuesday.

“Yeah, absolutely. Tonight was a must-win in our minds that is why we’re disappointed. Tuesday is a chance to go again.”

England forward Beth Mead speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is disappointing. I thought we started a bit slow but grew into the game really well. I would argue that we were the better team in the game overall but ultimately two very good teams and it comes down to small margins and they scored from two set pieces which is obviously really frustrating.

“Over the two set pieces they were sharper but at the same time defensively I thought we defended really well and gave them few very chances bar the two goals. It is really frustrating.

“It is a little different having previously played for Sunderland but the atmosphere was amazing when the ball went into the back of the net but just a shame the goal didn’t count towards a win today.

“A lot can happen. We’ve just got to look at each game and just hopefully trying to get the wins and three points on the board. It is a tough group so we’ll have to keep trying to go each game at a time.”

England forward Beth Mead speaking to ITV Sport: “Disappointed, frustrated. I actually thought we were the better team, created more chances. Ultimately we got beat on two set pieces and that’s something we need to look at and rectify.

“It’s a really tough game, a lot of quality on show. Small margins won them the game today.

“I thought Hannah [Hampton] came on, made an amazing save, was amazing with her feet. We need to get our rhythm early and set ourselves to play better across the 90 mins.

“We’ve got to get straight into recovery, watch and analyse the game. Not give away set pieces, not concede from set pieces. We’ve got to rectify that.”

Mary Earps has been spotted on crutches as England head off the pitch. That doesn’t look good for the England No. 1 who will probably miss the match against France on Tuesday now too.

Reaction from former England and Manchester City goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley, on BBC Radio 5 Live:

“It’s been an exceptional performance from France, very professional. They were fantastic finishes.

“They executed their game plan really well. Unfortunately it was slightly untidy from the Lionesses at times and they didn’t manage to put away the chances they had.

90+5 mins: There goes the final whistle. England have been beaten at St. James’ Park. They were off the pace again and were punished in the second half by a well drilled France.

The Lionesses drop to third in Group A3 and now must win away from home to get themselves back in contention in the group.

90+3 mins: It’s all game management now from France. Maintaining possession, keeping England at bay and running down the clock.

Can the Lionesses create one more chance?

90 mins: There’s another five minutes of added time to play at the end of the game. Five minutes for England to get their equaliser.

86 mins: Kelly and Bronze combine in the penalty area with the right-back dancing into the six-yard box. She tries to put the ball on a plate for Russo but Lakrar gets back to intercept and block the pass.