Arsenal’s Alessia Russo was among the goals as England beat France 2-1 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard [Pauline Figuet/SPP]

ENGLAND revived their chances of automatic qualification for Euro 2025 with a 2-1 win over France in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday night.

Sarina Wiegman’s side dropped out of the automatic qualification spots in their group on Friday after Les Bleues won 2-1 at St James’ Park despite the Lionesses taking the lead through Arsenal’s Beth Mead.

But England repaid the favour in emphatic style thanks to Georgia Stanway’s long-range piledriver and a well-placed header from Alessia Russo.

“I think we got our standards back to where we wanted them,” said Russo after the game.

“There are still parts we will work on, for sure. We know the level is higher than ever and to even qualify for the Euros is going to be harder than ever.”

England’s first win in France in 51 years saw them take back control of their own destiny in terms of automatic qualification. The European champions sit third in the group on goal difference – level on points with Sweden, who they play in Gothenburg on July 16. Next, however, comes a showdown against the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road on July 12.