England Women’s manager, Sarina Wiegman believes that England are still in a “totally open” Euro 2025 Qualifying Group.
First-half goals from Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo saw England beat France 2-1 for their first win on French soil since 1973, which put them two points behind the group leaders – albeit in third place on goal difference behind Sweden.
Republic of Ireland however are eliminated from contention after they lost 1-0 away to Sweden, meaning that at least one final automatic qualification spot will go to the final round, in which England will visit the Swedes in a winners-take-all showdown in Gothenburg on 16 July.
“Of course, it [the win] gives us a boost,” commented Wiegman following England’s win over Les Bleues, but she is wary of the fact that automatic qualification won’t be guaranteed until after the final whistle has blown in Gothenburg next month.
“We want to win and we are in a better position now and the group is totally open.
“We said from the beginning this is a very tough group, with top, top level teams and this is exactly what you see with Sweden also and Ireland, who are very hard to beat.”
Wiegman however was happy with the Lionesses’ improvement after they lost at home to France in the reverse fixture last week.
“Most of all, we did better than Friday when we played parts of the game well but in their final third and our final third with corners we didn’t do well.
“I think the first half is one of the best halves we have ever played but the team effort pleased me most tonight.
“Of course, the second half is going to be different because you are 2-0 up and they are going to push but we worked so hard to stay together, to keep the win and more things gave me joy tonight.”
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