Jodie Taylor’s angled strike on the hour mark was enough to ensure the Lionesses’ first victory over Les Bleus since 1974 and set-up a semi final showdown with hosts Holland.
Mark Sampson made ten changes to his side following the unconvincing victory over Portugal, reverting to the eleven that impressed against Scotland and Spain in the opening two Group D fixtures.
That meant there were starts for Karen Bardsley, Demi Stokes, Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott who were all benched against the Portuguese with Izzy Christiansen and Nikita Parris having to settle again for a place amongst the substitutes.
France edged a frustrating and stop-start first period for England with Mille Bright’s header the only notable chance for the Lionesses in a 45 minutes which also saw Jill Scott collect her second booking of the tournament meaning she’ll be suspended for the semi final.
However, once again Jodie Taylor came up with the goods when it was needed to net for the fifth time in the competition. Lucy Bronze provided the assist for Taylor to finish neatly from an acute angle.
There will be a fitness race for City ‘keeper Karen Bardsley who was forced off with 16 minutes to go having sustained an injury during a goal-mouth scramble in the England six-yard box.
Despite late France pressure, England held firm and the Lionesses’ dream continues!
On Saturday Kosovare Asllani’s Sweden bowed out of the competition at the quarter final stage following defeat to the Netherlands.
Sunday afternoon saw Mie Jans’ Denmark turn in the shock result of the tournament by beating holders Germany 2-1, denying the eight-time winners a crack at a ninth Euro title.
England Women
Bardsley (Chamberlain 75’), Bronze, Houghton, Bright, Stokes, Moore, Scott, Nobbs, Kirby, White, Taylor
Unused Substitutes
Potter, Christiansen, Williams, Stoney, Carney, Bassett, Parris, Duggan, Greenwood, Telford, Scott
Goals
Taylor 60’
Booked
Scott, Taylor
France Women
Bouhaddi, Houara, Georges, Mbock Bathy, Karchaoui, Diani (Thomis 65’), Geyoro, Henry, Abily, Delie, Le Sommer
Unused Substitutes
Philippe, Toletti, Le Bihan, Lavogez, Catala, Tounkara, Bussaglia, Thiney, Gerard
