The top two teams from the League A groups will qualify automatically for Euro 2025, with the other two sides entering the play-offs.
England, having already lost to France and drawn at home against Sweden, came into this match five points off the leaders.
It was not strictly a must-win contest, but it felt that way given the level of competition still to come, with England preferring not to have to travel to Sweden to face the world’s sixth best team needing victory.
And so they played with a hunger and desire to win, building pressure early on and capping a rousing first-half effort with two well-taken goals.
Chances had come and gone for Ella Toone, Beth Mead and Russo before Hemp teed up Stanway and she let rip from 25 yards, rippling the net with a powerful strike.
Hemp was the provider again when she picked out Russo, unmarked, in the box for England’s second goal, before Stanway saw another effort fly narrowly wide.
Diani’s miss just before the break encouraged the home crowd, though, and the noise lifted in the second half as France carried more of an attacking threat.
The hosts forced England to open up, creating a feisty and scrappy second half which suited France – and they eventually capitalised through Diani’s spot-kick.
England’s scintillating first half was almost forgotten as France peppered their box, causing problems.
They almost found an equaliser late on when Kenza Dali teed up Katoto, only for Hampton to produce a fine fingertip save.
The final whistle brought relief for Wiegman and her players, as England became the first team in almost five years to inflict a home defeat on France in a competitive fixture.
“Obviously you are going to get punished, especially against a team like England,” said France boss Herve Renard.
“The reaction in the second half was perfect. We pushed a lot and were hoping to get an equaliser at the end. The goalkeeper made a great save.
“England got their revenge, but we are still leaders and have two points more than the other teams. The objective is to qualify and be the leaders at the end.”