France qualify for Women’s Euros as England set up decider

PARIS: Sakina Karchaoui’s long-distance screamer helped ensure France’s place at Women’s Euro 2025 on Friday as they emerged 2-1 winners against Sweden in League A qualifying, while England beat the Republic of Ireland to close in on qualification.

Herve Renard’s side took the lead in Dijon just after the half-hour mark when Karchaoui rocketed an unstoppable dipping strike from over 30 yards out.

Josefine Rybrink levelled for Sweden four minutes after the break but Marie-Antoinette Katoto pounced on a loose ball at a corner to lash France back into the lead in the 74th minute.

France’s victory meant they are assured of a top-two finish in Group A3, ahead of Sweden and England’s winner-takes-all meeting on the final matchday in Gothenburg on Tuesday.

Current European champions England moved three points ahead of Sweden

with a 2-1 win over Ireland in Norwich, meaning a draw next week will be enough to book their place at the Euros.

“The game on Tuesday we will show that (aggressiveness) too. Sweden have to win. We always know what we want to do better in the next game,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman.

A goal after five minutes from Alessia Russo got Wiegman’s side off to a flying start, before Georgia Stanway sealed the points from the spot 12 minutes into the second half. Julie-Ann Russell scored Ireland’s first goal of the qualifying campaign with the last action of the game.