France 1 England 2: Alessia Russo goal seals vital win as Lionesses keep automatic Euros spot hopes alive

ALESSIA RUSSO reckons the battle to reach the Euros will be harder than ever after England’s first win against France on French soil in 51 years.

The striker netted the winner as the Lionesses came away with a 2-1 Euros qualifier victory on Tuesday evening.

GettyAlessia Russo caused problems for France’s defence with her first-half header giving England a 2-0 lead[/caption]

GettyThe Lionesses weathered late pressure from France but held out to seal an important 2-1 victory in their fourth group stage Euros qualifier game[/caption]

GettyGeorgia Stanway gave the visitors a 1-0 lead early on with the Lionesses dominating the first half at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne[/caption]

Despite their foes’ late fightback the visitors held out to claim an official triumph over Les Bleues on their turf for the first time in 1973.

The group stage game in Saint-Etienne resulted in France losing a tournament qualifier fixture for the first time in 17 years.  

It also saw Sarina Wiegman’s side boost their chance of reaching next year’s Euros automatically with her third-placed side level on points with Sweden who are second.

Only the sides who finish in their group’s top two spots can claim a place in next year’s contest in Switzerland without having to compete in play-offs.

Following the win, Russo told ITV Sport: “I think we got our standards back to where we wanted them.

“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.”

Russo’s first-half goal, her 19th in a senior England game, topped off a storming start for the reigning Euros champs as they ran their hosts ragged early on.

Along with Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp, with Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway starting well in midfield, Russo helped the Lionesses dominate for the first 45 minutes.

When asked if this was her best England performance, the striker added: “I’ll have a look back after.

“When you’re in the moment you are so focused on the game. I just tried to do what I could.

“France are a top side with some of the best centre-backs in the world.

“It was nice to get on the scoresheet but we created a lot of better.”

England’s gritty performance saw Wiegman rewarded for her decision to stick with the finishing line-up that lost 2-1 to France at St James’s Park last Friday.

After Sweden clinched a 1-0 away win against the Republic of Ireland earlier this evening, without injured shot stopper Mary Earps, had it all to do.

But after an early Toone effort on her 50th England appearance was easily claimed by France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, the visitors took control of the first half.

Stanway fired them in front with a bullet strike from the edge of the box in the 21st minute after a nifty interchange involving Russo and Lauren Hemp.

And Russo piled on the pressure with the hosts left stunned as she headed home for a 2-0 34th-minute lead.

France boss Herve Renard made some second-half changes with Delphine Cascarino and Sandie Toletti replacing Amandine Henry and Sakina Karchoui.

Late pressure saw them win a spot-kick after Leah Williamson caught Grace Geyoro’s ankle in the penalty.

GettyKadidiatou Diani pulled a goal back for France from the penalty spot late on in the game[/caption]

Toone and Lucy Bronze were booked seconds later for dissent before Kadidiatou Diani netted in the 72nd minute on her 100th France appearance.

But England held on to claim the win and stay level on points with second-placed Sweden.

Wiegman’s side will face the Swedes and the Republic of Ireland in their final two Euros qualifier duels in July.