Preview for France v England
England open the defence of their European crown towards France tomorrow evening.
The Lionesses have been positioned in a tricky group that additionally comprises the Netherlands and Wales and might be trying to get off to a robust begin in Zurich.
It actually gained’t be simple, nonetheless, towards a France facet that haven’t misplaced a gaggle stage recreation 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 facet must be at their greatest proper from the off.
She advised the BBC: “There’s a variety of respect between the groups as a result of we have now confronted off so often.
“I don’t suppose France essentially worry England, they only have a variety of respect and suppose we have now a really gifted crew – it’s the identical with them.
“We get to check ourselves towards the nice groups right away. There are not any surprises going via the event. We all know the usual that you need to be at.
“Once you get to those tournaments, you wish to play within the massive video games towards the very best gamers. Why not have it in your first recreation?”
Our opener awaits 👊#Lionesses | @NuffieldHealth pic.twitter.com/ojxS0sJNJ9
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 3, 2025
France boss Laurent Bonadei made the shocking choice to depart captain Wendie Renard out of the squad – in addition to document goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer – and her former Lyon team-mate Bronze believes that would weaken Les Bleues.
“Wendie is an effective good friend of mine. She’s the epitome of what I might describe as a captain determine,” stated Bronze of Renard, who has gained 168 caps.
“After I was at Lyon, every thing she did as an individual and as a participant, there was nothing you possibly can fault. I’m positive she might be devastated to not be a part of the Euros.
“The supervisor went a distinct means. That’s how soccer works typically. It’s a giant shock.
“I wish to play towards Wendie. For me, not taking somebody like that would weaken the French crew. I wish to play towards the strongest French crew.”
France have by no means gained a serious event however they arrive in Switzerland on the again of an eight-match successful streak.
That document comes with a warning, although, with Bonadei saying: “Confidence is sweet for growing our recreation, however overconfidence is the lure that awaits us.”
Midfielder Grace Geyoro additionally believes France’s psychological state is essential to success.
She stated: “Since we put together for tournaments a 12 months or two years upfront, once you arrive on the competitors and also you get eradicated rapidly, sure, sooner or later it additionally has an impression on the thoughts.
“It may be exhausting, particularly once you see the [quality in the] crew we have now.
“Our weak factors are that we might have much less expertise as a result of we have now not gained any titles [at international level]. In troublesome instances we have now to have the ability to be higher as a result of we have now had disappointments.”
Staff Information for France v England
Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from worldwide soccer whereas Millie Vibrant dominated herself out as a consequence 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 towards England ⚔️🏴#WEURO2025 l #FiersdetreBleues
pic.twitter.com/gtxRNMrIL9— French Staff ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 2, 2025
How you can watch France v England: TV and on-line streams
France versus England kicks-of at 8pm UK time tomorrow evening. You possibly can watch it on ITV and stream it on the ITVX app and web site.
