England boosted their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2025 with an excellent 2-1 victory over France in Saint-Etienne on Monday evening.

Georgia Stanway's superb long-range effort gave the visitors the lead in the 21st minute prior to Alessia Russo's 34th minute header doubling the lead for Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses before half-time.

A mere four days after losing 2-1 to the same opponents in Newcastle, the defending European champions underlined their quality in a powerful first half performance against Herve Renard's side.  

However, England also showed reserves of character to seal such a vital victory when France rallied after the interval. 

With 18 minutes remaining, Ella Toone lost possession as the home side broke, before Leah Williamson brought down Grace Geyoro in the box.

Up steeped Kadidiatou Diani who made no mistake from the spot to pull a goal back and set up a nervy finish at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

As the clock ticked down, the Lionesses needed an important save from Hannah Hampton - deputising for the injured Mary Earps - to foil Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the closing stages and ensure a much-needed win for Wiegman and her batting side, against the third best side in the world according to the rankings. 

"It was [much improved]. I think we played a very good first half and created many chances too," said Wiegman after the match. 

"The second half was always going to be different because they want to force goals. We had to work really hard to get the win."