Georgia Stanway revealed a rousing speech from captain Leah Williamson inspired the Lionesses to victory over France.
England won 2-1 in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday night, avenging Friday’s defeat to the the same opposition and keeping automatic qualification for Euro 2025 in their own hands.
Stanway scored the opener and explained a talking-to from Williamson had helped focus minds.
She said: “Leah rounded us all up this week. We weren’t satisfied with the way it’s been. We needed to up our level; we battled like hell.
“We know it will take an even better, faster, physically stronger and more technical team to win the Euros next year. This is a massive step in the right direction.”
England are level on seven points with Sweden in qualifying Group A3, two behind leaders France.
Wins over Sweden and the Republic of Ireland next month would see Sarina Wiegman’s side qualify automatically for next summer’s finals in Switzerland.
But if they finish third or fourth in the group, they will enter the play-offs. Wiegman felt her side were much improved against France.
She said: “You asked the question of being unpredictable. We want to be unpredictable. It gives us a boost.”
Alessia Russo scored England’s winner and said: “I think we got our standards back to where we wanted them.”
