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Key events
27 minutes: Henry overshoots a pass as she tries to find Diane on the right.
26 minutes: France were a little slow when trying to get the ball into England’s box and Diani was too hesitant on the right when trying to create space to cross.
25 minutes: That goal came shortly after Meade forced a great save from Peiro-Magnin; England has grown to that half.
GOAL! France 0-1 England (Stanway 21)
What a hit! England work down the left, with Hamp showing good strength in the box to keep the ball and leave Stanway waiting centrally outside of it. The first shot was thunderous, beating a diving Peyraud-Magnin to the right.
20 minutes: Hamp does a great defensive job, harassing De Almeida on France’s right to earn a goal.
19 minutes: Bronze is in the game now and she slides in a pass to Mead on the edge of the box, but the Arsenal star can’t get it off her feet to feed a team-mate inside.
17 minutes: Not a particularly electric opening to this game. And just as I type… Bronze wins a header from the right, Mead leaps and crosses into the box for Russo… who misses the first shot, the ball goes wide. Better than the visitors tonight.
14 minutes: Both sides are struggling to hold onto the ball for long periods at the moment, just lacking a bit of composure when in possession.
13 minutes: Another errant pass from Bronze unleashed Bach down France’s left, but the ball quickly returned to England.
12 minutes: Bronze tries to pick out Toone in the box but fails to slot in the killer ball from the right wing.
11 minutes: Sharp crosses from France as Geyoro runs through the middle before Dali’s cross from the right is blocked. England’s form off the ball looks pretty solid.
7 minutes: France quickly attack at the other end, Dayani’s shot from Karshawi’s cross just rolling past Hampton’s post. Williamson is out after stepping in to challenge Dayani … but she’s looking good after a brief stoppage.
6 minutes: Stanway finds Toone in the box with an excellent pass, but the number 10’s shot is weak as she grabs it, the ball rolling meekly and unable to test the keeper.
5 minutes: De Almeida tries to find Diani running into the right channel but the pass is poor and out for a goal.
3 minutes: Russo does well to hold the ball down the right as England work it down the left, but Toon’s ball, which he tries to slide into the hemp in the box, is under-hit.
2 minutes: Geyoro surged forward to set the home fans roaring before England retreated into defensive shape.
1 minute: Tune won the ball early for England in their highlight reel before France’s Bacha was fouled in his own half.
Peep!
Off we go as England kicks off, moving from right to left on my screen.
“Can I sort my wine glass instead?” asks Joe Pearson. Whatever you want: tea, wine, maybe even a cup of joe? I will send myself.
The players are lined up, ready to hit the field. Sort your cup of tea.
One thing to keep an eye on tonight: how England reacted to the positions of France after what happened that day. “Wigman’s players have suffered a full relapse of the worrying dead ball disease that derailed them in the final days of Phil Neville’s tenure,” wrote Louise Taylor.
Half century for Ella Toon.
So just one change for England, which is forced: Hannah Hampton replaces the injured Mary Earps. France make two: Grace Gayoro and Amandine Henry replace Delphine Cascarino and Sandy Tolletti.
The teams
Here we are…
Preamble
Hello, hello, hello and welcome to an important meeting for Sarina Wigman’s country. She doesn’t call it a must win – “it’s a will to win” – but England really need to get their act together if they are to avoid the play-offs for Euro 2025. They are currently third in Group A3 after losing 2-1 to France on Friday at St James’ Park, with both of the visitors’ goals coming from corners. In another blow, the reigning European champions will be without Mary Earps, who picked up a thigh injury last week. The good news? The chance for revenge came quickly. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.
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