Arsenal forward Beth Mead opened the scoring for England against France, but the Lionesses fell to a 2-1 loss at St James Park.

Mead put the Lionesses in front after half an hour at St James Park, meeting Lauren Hemp’s low cross and finding the target.

However, fine finishes from Elisa De Almeida and Marie-Antoinette Katoto turned the game in France’s favour.

Leah Williamson captained the Lionesses and Alessia Russo also played all 90 minutes. Mead was replaced by Chloe Kelly with 11 minutes remaining.

England dropped to 3rd in their Euro 2025 qualifying group, and will take on France again on Tuesday night in Saint Etienne.

Katie McCabe’s Republic of Ireland were defeated 3-0 by Sweden in the Lionesses’ group, but Stina Blackstenius was not involved in Sweden’s squad.