It was Sarina Wiegman’s 50th match in charge of the Lionesses and her first test against France since moving over from the Netherlands.
But it did not go to plan as England suffered a first defeat in European qualifying since 2002.
France, ranked third in the world, were always going to cause England problems with their pacy frontline and they boasted several Lyon stars who had appeared in Saturday’s Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.
The visitors threatened early on as England struggled to gain rhythm following Earps’ injury but the Lionesses eventually settled and deserved their goal through Mead.
It was the first time Wiegman was able to select Euro 2022 centre-back pairing Leah Williamson and Millie Bright together since February 2023 but England’s defence were undone on set-pieces.
France’s response to Mead’s opener was a strong one and Katoto poked a shot over the bar minutes before De Almeida’s volley flew past Hampton.
Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin had to pull off a smart save at the other end to keep out Mead’s curling effort on the stroke of half-time and chances continued to come for both teams.
France’s Delphine Cascarino and England’s Chloe Kelly came close after the break but it was the group leaders who had the final say through Katoto’s volley.
With France manager Herve Renard sat in the stands due to suspension, and assistant Laurent Bonadei standing in his place, Wiegman was often left on her own in the dugout looking frustrated as she urged more intensity and variation from her players.
After failing to reach the Olympic Games, it would be a devastating outcome if England were to not to qualify for Euro 2025 so they will hope to respond immediately when they travel to Saint-Etienne in France for Tuesday’s second meeting.