Russo doubles guests’ lead in Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier | EUROtoday

It’s truthful to say that every one shouldn’t be going the best way of the Lionesses for the time being. Friday’s 2-1 defeat by the hands of France was the facet’s third for the reason that World Cup last defeat by Spain – in 11 matches that’s not disastrous, however neither is it nice for a crew so used to profitable – and, coming quickly after a draw with Sweden, left them third of their group with solely the highest two assured qualification.

That implies that they may actually do with victory in Saint-Etienne this night. But right here’s a stat Saraina Wiegman’s facet gained’t wish to hear: England haven’t gained in France since 1973. Gulp…

As our very personal Luke Edwards wrote after final week’s defeat…

“England were made to look ordinary, their aura of invincibility removed, and not for the first time recently. Since they were outclassed by Spain in the World Cup final last year, England have lost to Belgium, Netherlands and now the French. They have also been held to a draw by Sweden.”

But Wiegman hasn’t develop into one of many most-sought after managers in world soccer by being a pessimist, and he or she believes that the Lionesses can get revenge on the French tonight.

“We have an identity, we’re not going to throw everything overboard because we want to be unpredictable to the opponent, because then we’re going to be unpredictable to ourselves,” the England coach mentioned. “We want to build on what we already have, do a couple of things better, make a couple of little tweaks and build on our strengths.”

On whether or not she thought the match was a must-win, she added: “No, a want-to-win. Of course it would really, really help to put us in a better position. We feel comfortable that we can get a good result.”

With tonight’s journey to France adopted with a house match towards Ireland and away fixture in Sweden, there’s little doubt they, on the very least, need to keep away from one other defeat.

Stay right here to seek out out whether or not they can try this, and for all of the pre-match construct up and motion, with kick-off at 8pm.