England Ladies were knocked out of Euro 2013 tonight as they were handsomely beaten 3-0 France in their final group game.
The defeat means the Lionesses finished bottom of Group C with just the one point having been beaten by Spain and only managing a draw against Russia.
A draw with France may have been enough for England, but the quality shown by their opponents was too much and were left second best for much of the game.
An early strike from Eugenie le Sommer, and two goals inside six minutes of the second half, was enough for the French to cruise through, finishing top of the group with nine points.
Despite having already qualified for the quarter finals, the French dominated from the off and it was Le Sommer who came closest as she struck the inside of the post in the eight minute.
The striker who plays for Lyon, was involved again just 60 seconds later receiving the ball inside the 18-yard box allowing her to guide the ball past the despairing Karen Bardsley in the England goal.
France could have been two goals up seconds later as captain Sandrine Soubeyrand unleashed a powerful 25 yard drive that flew inches over the England crossbar.
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| picture: gettyimages |
England couldn't handle the French pace and attack and were undone once again allowing Elodie Thomis to fire an effort at goal only for Bardsley to save well at her near post.
The second half began a lot brighter for England, as Hope Powell introduced Jill Scott to the game replacing Anita Asante in midfield.
However the French continued their attack and Thomis was involved again as she raced through on goal, only to see her effort fly wide of the upright.
With England beginning to get back into the game, Hope Powell brought on Kelly Smith, but within moments of the change, the French added two quick fire goals.
Louisa Necib curled home from outside the box to double the lead, and she then turned provider moments later as her cross was met by defender Renard, whose powerful header flew past the helpless Bardsley.
Despite being three goals down, and out of the competition, England showed great fight in the last 20 minutes of the game, with Ellen White guilty of missing England's best chance.
The defeat meant an early exit for the England Women who fail to get out of the group stage for the first time since 2005.
England: Bardsley, A. Scott, Houghton, Bradley, Stoney, Asante (J. Scott 46') Williams, Aluko (Smith 60') White, Carney (Clarke 73') Duggan
France: Deville, Renard, Franco, Houara, Delannoy, Soubeyrand (Bussaglia 46') Henry (Catala 61') Necib, Le Sommer, Thomis, Thiney (Abily 46')
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