England used to relish playing in front of a home crowd under Sarina Wiegman, but it is starting to feel like that magic is wearing off.
Defeat against France leaves them third in what is an extremely tough Euro 2025 qualifying group. Only the top two teams qualify and, if the Lionesses want to retain their European crown in Switzerland next year, there is work to do.
England had been second coming into this game, having drawn with Sweden and beaten the Republic of Ireland in April, while Les Bleus were top.
They now have to travel to France, who they play again on Tuesday, before facing Ireland at home and Sweden away in July.
Perhaps what is most concerning for Wiegman is that her side have failed to lay down a marker in either of their home fixtures. As they did against Sweden, England surrendered a lead but, unlike that game, they were unable to hold on for a point.
Sarina Wiegman’s England struggled to lay down a marker during their home defeat to France
Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored the winner for France with just over 20 minutes remaining
England goalkeeper Mary Earps was forced off early in Newcastle with a nasty looking injury
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They had their moments against France, but too many players were sloppy in possession and the two goals they conceded came from poorly defended set-pieces.
The Lionesses lacked a spark and, in truth, many looked tired after a testing season. Elisa De Almeida’s superb volley, which brought France level after Beth Mead had opened the scoring in the first half, was undoubtedly the best moment of a game lacking quality.
For the first time since February 2023, Wiegman was able to select a centre back pairing of Leah Williamson and Millie Bright, with both players having spent time out injured in the last year.
But five minutes in, England were dealt a significant blow when Mary Earps was forced off.
The goalkeeper, who was making her 50th international appearance, appeared to twist her hip after a routine pass and despite efforts to continue, was replaced by Hannah Hampton.
After a cagey opening, Ella Toone could have put England ahead mid-way through the half when she connected with Lauren Hemp’s cross in the box, but her effort spun just wide.
Hemp continued to cause problems down the left wing and, on the half hour mark, created the opener. The forward’s cross evaded Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway, who was perhaps fouled by Selma Bacha as she tried to connect with the delivery, but the ball dropped to Mead, who sent a side-footed finish into the bottom right corner.
Defender Elisa De Almeida scored a stunning side-footed volley for France’s first-half equaliser
France almost hit back immediately but Hampton was on hand to push Maelle Lakrar’s header around the post. But Les Bleus did find a way back in before half-time, with Elisa De Almeida sending a fantastic side-footed volley into the top left corner. There was a question mark over whether Wendie Renard had fouled Hemp in the build-up, but with no VAR in use the goal stood.
There had been limited chances in the second half until Katoto put France ahead in the 68th minute. The goal came from another set-piece as England failed to clear their lines, with Katoto sending a smart finish into the bottom right corner.