Preview for France v England
England open the defence of their European crown in opposition to France tomorrow evening.
The Lionesses have been positioned in a troublesome group that additionally incorporates the Netherlands and Wales and shall be seeking to get off to a robust begin in Zurich.
It actually gained’t be straightforward, nevertheless, in opposition to a France aspect that haven’t misplaced a gaggle stage sport on the Euros since 2009.
The groups met in qualifying with each registering a 2-1 win and skilled England full-back Lucy Bronze is aware of Sarina Wiegman’s aspect need to be at their finest proper from the off.
She advised the BBC: “There’s plenty of respect between the groups as a result of we now have confronted off so recurrently.
“I don’t suppose France essentially concern England, they only have plenty of respect and suppose we now have a really proficient workforce – it’s the identical with them.
“We get to check ourselves in opposition to the great groups right away. There are not any surprises going by the event. We all know the usual that you need to be at.
“While you get to those tournaments, you need to play within the massive video games in opposition to the most effective gamers. Why not have it in your first sport?”
Our opener awaits 👊#Lionesses | @NuffieldHealth pic.twitter.com/ojxS0sJNJ9
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 3, 2025
France boss Laurent Bonadei made the stunning choice to go away captain Wendie Renard out of the squad – in addition to file goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer – and her former Lyon team-mate Bronze believes that might weaken Les Bleues.
“Wendie is an effective pal of mine. She’s the epitome of what I might describe as a captain determine,” mentioned Bronze of Renard, who has gained 168 caps.
“Once I was at Lyon, every thing she did as an individual and as a participant, there was nothing you possibly can fault. I’m certain she shall be devastated to not be a part of the Euros.
“The supervisor went a special approach. That’s how soccer works generally. It’s an enormous shock.
“I need to play in opposition to Wendie. For me, not taking somebody like that might weaken the French workforce. I need to play in opposition to the strongest French workforce.”
France have by no means gained a significant event however they arrive in Switzerland on the again of an eight-match profitable streak.
That file comes with a warning, although, with Bonadei saying: “Confidence is nice for growing our sport, however overconfidence is the lure that awaits us.”
Midfielder Grace Geyoro additionally believes France’s psychological state is essential to success.
She mentioned: “Since we put together for tournaments a 12 months or two years upfront, whenever you arrive on the competitors and also you get eradicated shortly, sure, in some unspecified time in the future it additionally has an influence on the thoughts.
“It may be exhausting, particularly whenever you see the [quality in the] workforce we now have.
“Our weak factors are that we could have much less expertise as a result of we now have not gained any titles [at international level]. In tough instances we now have to have the ability to be higher as a result of we now have had disappointments.”
Staff Information for France v England
Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from worldwide soccer whereas Millie Shiny dominated herself out because of bodily and psychological exhaustion.
Lauren James is unlikely to start out after making her comeback as substitute within the 7-0 warm-up win over Jamaica.
Predicted line-ups for France v England
France: Peyraud-Magnin; De Almeida, Mbock, Lakrar, Bacha; Geyoro, Jean-Francois, Karchaoui; Diani, Baltimore, Katoto
England: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Stanway, Walsh; Mead, Toone, Hemp; Russo
And… 𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 🎬
EURO 2025 lastly kicks off in Switzerland 🇨🇭🔥See you on Saturday night for les Bleues’ opening match in opposition to England ⚔️🏴#WEURO2025 l #FiersdetreBleues
pic.twitter.com/gtxRNMrIL9— French Staff ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 2, 2025
The right way to watch France v England: TV and on-line streams
France versus England kicks-of at 8pm UK time tomorrow evening. You’ll be able to watch it on ITV and stream it on the ITVX app and web site.
