A first defeat in a qualifying match for 22 years was not how Sarina Wiegman would have wanted to mark her 50th game in charge of England.

France’s 2-1 victory at St James’ Park put more than a dent in the Lionesses’ qualification hopes for the 2025 European Championship.

England would not usually face a nation as strong as France in qualifying, but the format of the Nations League means they have been placed in a tough group, which includes Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

What was most concerning about Friday’s performance is that it was a display that is becoming all too familiar for this England team. The Lionesses were flat in their draw with Sweden in April and their 2-0 victory over Ireland was not convincing.

At the halfway point in qualifying, England have taken just one point from their two home games. That is simply not good enough for the World Cup finalists and reigning European champions. The toughest games in this group are still to come. England have to travel to France, who they play again on Tuesday, and Sweden, who they face in July.

France were not made to work hard enough for their victory. That England managed only two shots on target told the story of how they struggled to create chances.

In Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Les Bleus have two of the best wide players in the world. But neither player drove at England’s full-backs on Friday.

It was as if France had come for a draw and got more than they bargained for. They did not cut England open, with their two goals coming from set-pieces. On home turf on Tuesday, they are bound to be more attack-minded.

Wiegman’s decision on Friday to start Leah Williamson and Millie Bright at centre back, ahead of Alex Greenwood, was questionable.

Few can argue the strength of the partnership between Bright and Williamson when both players are fit and in form. But Bright has made only a handful of appearances following a six-month spell on the sidelines, and Williamson – who did play a fantastic pass in the build-up to England’s goal – is still returning from an ACL injury at the start of the year.

Greenwood, 30, is England’s most in-form centre back right now, and has been for the last year. She was arguably England’s best player at last summer’s World Cup. Centre back is her best position but she started her career as a left back and can easily fill that role if required. With Niamh Charles injured, Wiegman started Jess Carter, who primarily plays at centre back for Chelsea, at left back. That decision was equally baffling, given Carter is right-footed.

‘We know Alex is a very good player, she has done very well over the last period,’ Wiegman said.

‘I chose Millie and Leah, that defence I thought we needed because of the qualities of France.’

England will likely be without Mary Earps for the return fixture after the goalkeeper was forced, off with an injury in the eighth minute. Earps, who appeared to twist her hip, was on crutches at full-time and was set to be assessed yesterday.

England undoubtedly missed the creativity of Lauren James, who was forced to withdraw from the squad with a foot injury. James offers something different to the Lionesses’ other forwards and her ability to produce a flash of brilliance would have given France more to think about.

Wiegman can often be conservative in her substitutions and on Friday she did not make a outfield change until the 79th minute.

England now have to go to France and win, a feat they have not managed since 1973. ‘What we showed today, I think we can win that game,’ a defiant Wiegman said.

‘We go out there to win that game.’