France 1-2 England: Player ratings as Lionesses shine in Saint-Étienne

A convincing performance from England in Saint-Étienne on Tuesday bolstered the Lionesses’ chances of automatic qualification for EURO2025, as Sarina Wiegman’s England successfully sought revenge for their recent loss to France at St James’ Park.

Georgia Stanway’s thunderous effort opened the scoring before Alessia Russo nodded home to double the visitors’ lead before the break. Despite a late resurgence, a Kadidiatou Diani penalty would only be enough for a late consolatory goal at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

France player ratings [4-3-3]

Pauline Peyraud-Magnin [7/10]: While conceding two goals won’t flatter the French shotstopper, she produced a crucial save to deny Beth Mead after 20 minutes and les Bleues could have been forced to endure a rather rough evening without her between the sticks.

Selma Bacha [6.5/10]: Influential in France’s spirited attempt to draw level in the second half, and perhaps should have bagged her side’s first goal shortly after play resumed for the second half. Played on through a visibly uncomfortable injury and ultimately limped off in stoppage time.

Wendie Renard [6/10]: It wasn’t France’s best night defensively, but Renard didn’t do all too much wrong. Her height makes her a valuable asset at the back for les Bleues, but England’s set-piece defending was much improved and she wasn’t able to force a goal of her own.

Maëlle Lakrar [3/10]: The 24-year-old defender will be in no rush to relive this match. Alessia Russo rose beyond her to nod home England’s second goal, and a woeful loose pass from the Montpellier centre-back looked destined to gift Ella Toone an opportunity to add a third. Unsurprisingly replaced at half time.

Elisa de Almeida [5/10]: Struggled against Beth Mead throughout the first half but looked reassured when functioning centrally after the break due to a change in personnel. Didn’t repeat her sensational strike on Tyneside last week, but a solid shift all things considered.

Kenza Dali [6/10]: Danced past by Lauren Hemp in the first half as the Manchester City forward teed up Georgia Stanway’s opener, but otherwise put in a solid performance as we’ve come to expect from the former Olympique Lyonnais midfielder.

Grace Geyoro [6/10]: Won the foul that resulted in Diani slotting home from the penalty spot. Kept the midfield ticking throughout the second half but otherwise enjoyed a relatively quiet night.

Amandine Henry [4.5/10]: Subbed off at half time after a lacklustre opening 45 minutes. Didn’t contribute much going forwards, and almost allowed Russo to break through on goal.

Sakina Karchaoui [5/10]: Another half-time substitution from Hervé Renard, Karchaoui simply didn’t offer much at all in terms of end product despite looking promising when driving forwards – as she did in Newcastle on Friday.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto [6.5/10]: Arguably France’s greatest goal threat throughout the night, and could have bagged either side of half-time but narrowly missed the target on both occasions. Denied a late equaliser by Hannah Hampton.

Kadidiatou Diani [7/10]: Scored the penalty that gave France hope, but had already missed an earlier opportunity that she’ll look back on with regret.

England player ratings [4-3-3]

Hannah Hampton [7.5/10]: Took the opportunity and once again proved herself as a worthy first-choice ‘keeper. Failed to save Kadidiatou Diani’s penalty but made amends with a late save to deny Marie-Antoinette Katoto and ensure England secured the win in Saint-Étienne.

Jess Carter [7/10]: Did her job well, in both an attacking and defensive sense. Very hard to criticise, but no particular standout moments either to bump up her score here.

Leah Williamson [6.5/10]: Conceded the penalty that ultimately reduced England’s goal difference and saw the Lionesses slip back down to third in the group. Otherwise solid, and will be disappointed that her performance is perhaps overshadowed by that foul on Grace Geyoro.

Millie Bright [7/10]: Tasked with managing Wendie Renard throughout the evening, the Chelsea defender kept her 6’2 opponent at bay and survived the late French charge as les Bleues grew desperate for an equaliser. Nothing wrong with her performance at all.

Ella Toone [7.5/10]: Linked up nicely with the front three after a slow start to proceedings, and ensured the match was played at a nice tempo. A solid shift from the Manchester United star, but nothing worth writing home about.

Keira Walsh [7/10]: A shaky start to the evening but ended up producing a calm and composed performance, fending off that late French comeback and ultimately ensuring the Lionesses returned home with all three points.

Georgia Stanway [8/10]: Back to her best at the heart of the midfield, Stanway smashed home the opener and could have bagged an almost-identical strike later on in the evening. A really convincing performance from the Bayern Munich star.

Lauren Hemp [8.5/10]: Two assists say it all. A comfortable evening for the winger, who was involved in the majority of England’s most promising attacking plays. Will perhaps go under the radar given Russo’s stellar performance, but deserves credit nonetheless.

Alessia Russo [9.5/10]: Given the freedom to drop deeper when needed, Russo’s holdup play was crucial to England’s success in Saint-Étienne and the Arsenal forward walked away with a deserved goal to show for her efforts. Potentially her best performance for the Lionesses, and most certainly the star of the show on the night.

Beth Mead [6/10]: Quite a quiet evening for the Arsenal winger given the majority of England’s play was focused on the opposite flank, but didn’t put a foot wrong and could have registered an assist or two had her central colleagues been more clinical inside the box.