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Key events
6 minutes: Earps fell again after making a clearance. It looks like she will be forced out.
4 minutes: Earps can continue to play for now. France take a corner, the ball is sent into the penalty area, but England can clear the danger.
2 minutes: A disastrous start for the Lionesses as Earps was injured with seconds left. The goalkeeper appeared to flinch after passing the ball from behind. It looks like it could be a hip problem.
1 minute: England face early pressure as Bright feeds the ball to Cascarino, who tries to cross but her effort is blocked and sent back for a corner.
Kickoff
We’re off to St James’ Park!
The teams are out. The national anthems were performed. The start is just a few minutes away!
Toone in Toon
The Euro 2025 qualifier between Scotland and Israel at Hampden Park has been postponed tonight after protesters chained themselves to one of the door frames. The match has already started.
In case you missed it… perhaps the worst kept secret in women’s football was confirmed this week. Chelsea have officially announced the arrival of new manager Sonia Bompastor from Lyon. Bompastor has signed a four-year deal with the Blues. She replaces Emma Hayes, who recently left to become head coach of the United States Women’s National Team.
On his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Bompastor said: “I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”
Millie Bright is back in England’s starting line-up tonight for the first time since October. The defender missed five months of the season through injury but is now back to full fitness. Discussing today’s match, Bright said: “France are an amazing team, they have a lot of threats. Likewise, there are things we can do to put the threat on them.
“We have to be extremely prepared. We know it will be two tough games. As always we are out for nothing but wins and a good performance. That will be a huge message.”
Lucy Bronze became the first English player to win five Champions League titles last weekend. FIVE!
Is she the greatest lioness of all time? Tell me what you think!
Lionesses captain Leah Williamson admits he is “looking forward” to the challenge of playing for his place in Sarina Wiegman’s competitive starting line-up. She said: “Obviously it’s the first time Millie and I have been together in a team for a long time, so it’s been nice in that respect.
“I think we’ve got a really strong unit – I’ve mentioned them coming back into the team for how well they’ve done and how they’ve stepped up, so it’s good to be back. This is a competitive unit that you should try to get into. I think I’ll be looking forward to the challenge as much as anyone.
Tonight will be Sarina Wiegmann’s 50th game in charge of England. It is also Arjan Weurink’s 50th match with the Lionesses and Mary Earps’ 50th senior international. We hope an unforgettable night for all three!
Niamh Charles has been replaced by Maya Le Tissier in Sarina Wiegman’s main squad this week. The defender remains at Chelsea to nurse a calf injury. Goalie Kayla Rendell, who was on the reserve list, also withdrew with an ankle injury. She is replaced by Lucy Thomas from Birmingham. Lauren James became the next player to leave camp on Thursday. The forward is currently dealing with a leg injury and has been replaced by Jessica Naz.
Team news
England starting XI: Mary Earps; Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Jess Carter; Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toon; Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead. Substitutes: Alex Greenwood, Hannah Hampton, Fran Kirby, Jessica Naz, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beaver-Jones, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, Jess Park, Kiara Keating, Esme Morgan, Millie Turner.
France starting XI: Pauline Peiro-Manin; Élisa De Almeida, Maëlle Lakrar, Wendie Renard, Selma Bacha; Sandy Tolletti, Sakina Karchaoui, Kenza Daly; Cadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Catotto, Delphine Cascarino. Substitutes: Solène Durand, Constance Picaud, Ève Périsset, Estelle Cascarino, Thiniba Samura, Grace Geyoro, Amandine Henry, Léa Le Garrec, Sandy Baltimore, Inès Benyahia, Julie Dufour, Louna Ribadeira.
Preamble
Hello, good evening and welcome to our coverage of England’s Euro 2025 qualifier against France. Two European giants go head-to-head tonight hoping to take a huge step towards next summer’s tournament. France currently leads Group A3 with a maximum of six points. The Lionesses are second with four points after beating the Republic of Ireland and drawing with Sweden. These two sides meet twice in the next five days, so we’re in for an exciting week.
For now, all eyes are on tonight’s game at St James’ Park. Kick-off is at 8pm BST – I’ll be with you all night!
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