Key events
17 min: Not a particularly electric opening to this game. And just as I type … Bronze wins a header on the right, Mead hops on to it, crossing into the box for Russo … who can’t nail the first-time finish, the ball going wide. Better from tonight’s visitors.
14 min: Both sides are struggling to keep the ball for a sustained period at the moment, just lacking in a bit of calm when in possession.
13 min: Another misplaced pass from Bronze unleashes Bacha on France’s left but the ball is back with England quickly.
12 min: Bronze tries to pick out Toone inside the box but can’t nail the killer ball from the right wing.
11 min: Sharp passes from France as Geyoro drives through the middle before Dali’s cross from the right is blocked. England’s shape when off the ball seems pretty solid.
7 min: France are quick to attack at the other end, a Diani poke from a Karchaoui cross just rolling past Hampton’s post. Williamson is down after sliding in to challenge Diani … but she seems fine after a brief stoppage.
6 min: Stanway finds Toone inside the box with an excellent pass but the No 10’s shot is weak as she snatches at it, the ball tamely rolling away and unable to test the keeper.
5 min: De Almeida tries to find Diani, running inside the right channel, but the pass is poor and out for a goalkick.
3 min: Russo does well to keep the ball on the right as England work it to the left, but Toone’s ball to try and slide in Hemp inside the box is underhit.
2 min: Geyoro drives forward to get the home fans roaring before England retreat into their defensive shape.
1 min: Toone wins the ball early for England in her landmark game, before France’s Bacha is fouled in her own half.
Peeeep!
Off we go, with England kicking off, moving from right to left on my screen.
“Can I sort my glass of wine instead?” asks Joe Pearson. Whatever you fancy: tea, wine, maybe even a cup of Joe? I’ll see myself out.
The players are lined up, ready to head on to the field. Sort your cup of tea.
One thing to keep an eye on tonight: how England respond to France’s set-pieces after what happened the other day. “Wiegman’s players suffered a full-on relapse of the alarming dead-ball disease that derailed them during the latter days of Phil Neville’s tenure,” wrote Louise Taylor.
A half-century for Ella Toone.
So just the one change for England, which is a forced one: Hannah Hampton replaces the injured Mary Earps. France make two: Grace Geyoro and Amandine Henry replace Delphine Cascarino and Sandie Toletti.
The teams
Here we go …
Preamble
Hello, hello, hello and welcome to an important encounter for Sarina Wiegman’s side. She’s not calling it a must-win – “it’s a want-to-win” – but England really do need to get it together if they want to avoid the Euro 2025 qualifying playoffs. They’re currently third in Group A3 after losing 2-1 to France on Friday at St James’ Park, both of the visitors’ goals coming from corners. In another blow, the current European champions will be without Mary Earps, who suffered a hip injury last week. The good news? A chance for revenge has come quickly. Kick-off’s at 8pm BST.
