The Lionesses were defeated 2-1 in Newcastle and left St James’ Park with five points less than leaders France in their Euro 2025 qualification group.
With one victory, one tie, and one loss from their first three games, captain Leah Williamson convened the squad to talk about their lackluster performance ahead of Tuesday’s rematch in France.
Everything that was mentioned was effective.
Tuesday night, England exacted their revenge in Saint-Etienne, winning 2-1 and putting on an incredible first-half display reminiscent of their triumphant Euro 2022 campaign.
In the second half, France struck back, making Sarina Wiegman’s team fight through a tense conclusion and hold on for an important win.
“That was what we needed. After the previous game, we had some great conversations,” midfielder Georgia Stanway, who opened the score with an incredible 20-yard strike, remarked.
“Leah [Williamson] gathered us all together and we expressed our dissatisfaction with the current situation. We must elevate ourselves.
We are aware that winning the Euros the next year will require an even more skilled, quick, physically fit, and technically proficient squad.
“[Tuesday’s win] is a massive step in the right direction because we’ve beaten a team that beat us a few days ago with the possession that we want.”
