UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying League A Group 3 ties saw England beaten 2-1 by France and Republic of Ireland going down 3-0 to Sweden.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps was unable to overcome a very early injury and was replaced by Hannah Hampton in the eighth minute.
Ella Toone put a close-range chance just wide of the far post but England went ahead on the half-hour, Lauren Hemp’s cross ending up at the feet of Beth Mead who slotted home in front of over 42,000 at St James’ Park.
Hampton dived to push away Maelle Lakrar’s header but was beaten via another corner, as Elisa De Almeida hooked home France’s equaliser in the 41st minute.
The lead was nearly restored just before the break but Mead’s effort was tipped round the post by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
France took the lead midway through the second half when England failed to clear a corner, Kadidatou Diani heading down for Marie-Antoinette Katoto to sweep home via the far post.
It was a third win in three games for France, who now hold a five-point lead over both Sweden and the Lionesses.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd opened the scoring for Sweden before the half-hour mark, aided by Kosovare Asllani.
Sweden doubled the lead just after the hour mark, as a breakaway led to Fridolina Rolfö finding the net.
Another counter attack in the dying minutes, saw Rytting Kaneryd get her second of the night.
