Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s goal secures victory for France over England, giving them the lead in the Euro 2025 qualifying group.

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of the English football club, Everton, is expecting some tense moments as his team prepares to face Borussia Dortmund in the final of the European competition. Ancelotti believes that his players will experience “cold sweats and fear” as they go up against the surprising Dortmund side.

In their previous match, France secured their position at the top of Group A3 in Euro 2025 with a 2-1 victory over England. Herve Renard’s team maintained their perfect record and now have three consecutive wins, putting them in control of the group.

The top two teams in the group will automatically qualify for Euro 2025. However, England’s defeat, combined with Sweden’s win over Ireland, has caused them to drop to third place in the standings.

England faced an early setback as goalkeeper Mary Earps suffered an injury within the first 30 seconds of the match. Despite attempting to continue playing after receiving treatment, Earps was forced off the field after pulling up sharply while attempting a clearance.

France’s fast-paced and direct style of play put England on the backfoot early in the game. However, Earps’ replacement, Hannah Hampton, was rarely tested.

England had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 23rd minute, but Ella Toone dragged her shot wide from eight yards out after a brilliant combination play between Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.

While Toone failed to convert her chance, Beth Mead made no mistake. France failed to clear a loose ball in their box, and Mead capitalized on the opportunity, calmly slotting the ball into the net in the 30th minute.

France equalized through an unexpected source, as defender Elisa De Almeida scored a stunning volley with her back to goal in the 41st minute.

The second half saw limited chances for both teams, but it was the visitors who created the decisive opportunity in the 69th minute. England struggled to clear the ball from a corner, allowing Kadidiatou Diani to nod it down for Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who volleyed it home.

Desperate for an equalizer, England were left frustrated when a Lucy Bronze cross was cleared just as Russo was about to tap it into an empty net. France held on for the win.

England will have a chance to seek revenge when they face Borussia Dortmund in the reverse fixture, which will take place in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday.