Disappointment emanated from the Lionesses after Friday’s 2-1 loss to France made the terrain ahead a lot tougher as the defending champions seek a place at Euro 2025. England slipped to third in Group A3 at the midway point of their qualifying campaign, behind France and Sweden, 3-0 victors in the Republic of Ireland.
Tricky away ties lie ahead, starting with France in Saint-Étienne on Tuesday. Only the top two qualify automatically for next summer’s tournament in Switzerland, with the playoffs a scenario England are keen to avoid. They have collected four points from their first three games and are five adrift of France and level with Sweden, who have a marginally better goal difference.
