Sarina Wigman defended her England gamers however blamed set-pieces for France’s first residence qualifying defeat in additional than 20 years in a 2-1 defeat.
Needing a win to leapfrog their opponents to high of their Euro 2025 qualifying group, Beth Meade’s objective acquired England off to an incredible begin.
However a pair of targets from corners in both half noticed France stroll away with the win – simply as they did in October 2002 once they have been the final staff to beat England in an away qualifier.
Wiegmann was happy with England’s efficiency regardless of the consequence, however was much less impressed with their decision-making within the last third or their poor set-piece defending, which may have worsened had Mael Lacrar not seen a first-half header.
“It was disagreeable,” she mentioned ITV Sports activities. “I feel we performed fairly properly, we conceded two targets in regulation video games which we’ve to do so much higher.
“You do not get too many probabilities in these matches. We created a couple of within the first half however solely scored one – and sadly they scored too.
“Within the second half, we had extra possession, not creating too many probabilities, however we have been harmful. The ultimate move ought to have been higher.
“We all know that France are superb in set items. In fact we have been ready, however they nonetheless acquired that point. The primary half was poor, I feel Kanoply was a bombshell, however within the second, she acquired a bit extra space and completed it properly as properly.”
England captain Leah Williamson was equally exasperated by the Lionesses’ delicacy from set-pieces and the impression that they had on her facet’s first defeat in six matches.
“Actually disillusioned, ought to have received the sport,” she mentioned. “It was a implausible occasion, the followers by no means allow us to down so it might be a disgrace to not give them the win.
“Two set targets and a second objective. We performed properly, not ok to win the sport, however there have been probabilities to win. Two set targets killed us. There is a component of luck in these items, however first contact and second contact must be higher on Tuesday.”
England took the lead regardless of a disrupted opening interval with recovering No. 1 Mary Earps injured within the first minute and ultimately pressured off regardless of making an attempt to play by means of the ache barrier.
The United goalkeeper’s situation shouldn’t be but recognized, however she was seen on crutches on the pitch after the principle whistle.
“It was a wierd begin to the primary ball when Mary acquired injured,” Wiegman mentioned. “About 5 minutes handed, then she went down once more and needed to break free. It was not what we anticipated!
“We wanted to get organized once more, then we acquired it and began taking part in so much higher. I am unable to say something [about the injury] as a result of I did not speak to anyone after the sport.’
What are the opposite qualifying dates for Euro 2025?
First and second qualifying matches: April 3-9
Fourth qualifying match: June 4
Fifth and sixth qualifying matches: July 10-16
Playoff draw: July 19
First spherical playoffs (two legs): October 23-29
Second spherical of play-offs (two matches): November 27 – December 3
Euro 2025 last draw: December 16
Euro 2025 last: July 2-27, 2025