Lionesses win return game in France, Ireland relegated | OneFootball

Alessia Russo of England scores her team’s second goal against France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

England were 2-1 winners away to France despite losing Friday’s match in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Qualifying League A by the same score.

Lauren Hemp set up two goals in 15 first-half minutes for England, the first moments after Beth Mead had forced a good save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, showing strength to hold off a defender and set up Georgia Stanway for a powerful finish from the edge of the box.

Alessia Russo was denied by the France keeper but gave her no chance with a downward header from a cross by Hemp.

France halved the deficit in the last 20 minutes, new centurion Kadidiatou Diani converting a penalty given for Leah Williamson’s foul on Grace Geyoro.

The then slim lead was protected when Hannah Hampton kept out a close-range opportunity for mare-Antoinette Katoto.

France’s forward #09 Marie Antoinette Katoto (2L) reacts. (Photo by JEFF PACHOUD/AFP via Getty Images)

Sweden had enjoyed a clear win in Dublin on Friday but left it late to take all three points at home to Ireland.

Magdalena Eriksson made the breakthrough from a Jonna Andersson corner with only six minutes of the 90 remaining.

The result sees the Swedes lead the table by two points from both Sweden and England, while Republic of Ireland are relegated with two games still to go next month.

Sweden score late on against Republic of Ireland. (Peter Sonander/SPP)

Martha Thomas scores four for five-goal Scotland Women