France vs England: Player ratings as Lionesses secure crucial win in Euro 2025 qualifying campaign

On Tuesday, England's football team redeemed themselves from the defeat they suffered on Friday, beating France 2-1 in Saint-Etienne.

England's victory was thanks to goals from Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo during an impressive first-half performance under Sarina Wiegman. England managed to fend off a late comeback attempt from France, spurred by a penalty goal scored by Kadidiatou Diani.

This win has put England's UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualification prospects back on the right track, placing them in a stronger position than before. If they secure victories against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in July, automatic qualification could still be achievable. However, there is still a significant amount of work to be done.

During the beginning of the match, England struggled due to France's persistent high press, experiencing trouble maintaining possession. Nevertheless, the Lionesses quickly adjusted to the French pressure and started to make opening runs.

Beth Mead almost scored England's first significant goal after Lucy Bronze won a header higher up the field. But despite making a dangerous cross into the box, it was met by Alessia Russo, who couldn't keep her shot down.

Stanway managed to score the first goal of the match around the 20-minute mark, with Russo and Lauren Hemp playing instrumental roles in setting up the opportunity. Russo later scored the goal she had been threatening to, meeting a ball delivered into the box by Hemp and successfully heading it in, leaving French keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin helpless.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto came close to scoring for France with an effort originating from a free-kick, but was unfortunate to see her shot miss narrowly. She continued to put pressure on England's defence in the second half, however they held firm up until the 70th minute, when France were awarded a penalty.

Leah Williamson conceded a foul on Grace Geyoro, and Diani confidently converted the penalty, sending England's goalkeeper Hannah Hampton the wrong way. Despite late pressure from France, Hampton managed to maintain composure and kept England's lead intact, securing the victory.

Player ratings for France included a 6/10 for goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin who made several key saves, and a 5/10 for right back Sakina Karchaoui who struggled to significantly contribute and was subbed at halftime. Wendie Renard and Kadidiatou Diani both received 6/10 ratings, while central midfielder Maelle Lakrar earned a disappointing 4/10. Left back Elisa De Almeida and midfielders Selma Bacha and Grace Geyoro were rated 5/10 and 6/10 respectively, Amandine Henry got a 5/10, Marie-Antoinette Katoto received a 6/10 and Kenza Dali received a 6/10. Substitutes Sandie Toletti and Delphine Cascarino both earned 6/10 ratings.

Subs not used: Solene Durand (GK), Constance Picaud (GK), Estelle Cascarino, Thiniba Samoura, Ines Benyahia, Julie Dufour, Lea Le Garrec.

Herve Renard - 6/10 - His side struggled to get a firm grip on the game in the first 45 and he wasted no time making the required changes. France were much more threatening in the second half and very nearly mounted a comeback.

GK: Hannah Hampton - 8/10 - Had very little to do in the first half. A few goal kicks flew out of play, but solid in possession otherwise. Much more to do in the second 45 and dived the wrong way for Diani's penalty. Made up for it with a huge stop to keep out an effort from Katoto in the final minutes of the game.

RB: Lucy Bronze - 7/10 - A couple of loose passes early doors, one was intercepted and she was fortunate to see the resulting France counter-attack break down. Her diagonal balls were a threat for England and her experience helped the Lionesses see out a much-needed victory.

CB: Millie Bright - 8/10 - Looked more comfortable at set pieces this time and she was assigned Renard on set pieces, as opposed to Stanway on Friday night. A much fairer battle. Just about handled the France onslaught late on.

CB: Leah Williamson - 7/10 - Much better compared to the outing at St James’ Park. Her long balls were a joy to behold and she marshalled her back line well. Uncharacteristic mistake to concede a penalty and gift France a way back into the game.

LB: Jess Carter - 8/10 - Tracked De Almeida well and picked her moments to push further up the pitch. Crucial defending late on as Delphine Cascarino looked to threaten, forced the France forward wide and the danger was averted.

CM: Keira Walsh - 8/10 - Sloppy in possession in the opening exchanges when France were pressing with intensity. Grew into the game and started to dictate the play for England.

CM: Georgia Stanway - 8/10 - Fantastic strike for the opener and almost scored a carbon copy to make it 3-0, but sliced it wide on that occasion.

CM: Ella Toone - 8/10 - Similar to Walsh, she struggled in the early minutes of the game but grew into it. Allowed England to play with pace and urgency and was the vital link between midfield and attack. Was gifted an opportunity to make it three in the second half but her effort was tame and comfortably saved.

RW: Beth Mead - 7/10 - Dangerous crosses into the box that weren’t finished by her teammates. Not as involved as Hemp on the opposite flank as England had clearly identified a weakness down that side. Subbed.

ST: Alessia Russo - 9/10 - Probably one of her best performances in an England shirt. Her hold up play, strength and positioning was integral to her side’s first-half dominance and she got the goal she richly deserved. Showed maturity when the Lionesses needed it most in the second-half.

LW: Lauren Hemp - 8/10 - Two assists in the first-half and was integral to the build-up of most of England’s dangerous attacks. Her pace caused the French back line plenty of problems

Subs not used: Khiara Keating (GK), Lucy Thomas (GK), Alex Greenwood, Jess Naz, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, Jess Park, Esme Morgan, Millie Turner

Sarina Wiegman - 7/10 - A much better performance from England in the first-half, compared to Friday's display in Newcastle. Took a risk by sticking with the same starting line-up but it just about paid off. Could argue she should have turned to her bench sooner as her team looked shattered by about 70 minutes.