England Battles France: Complete Viewing Guide, Match Preview and Starting XI Revealed
Welcome to Group D - widely regarded as the tournament's most challenging group at Women's Euro 2025.
With only two teams able to progress to the knockout stages, the competition becomes intense immediately for England, France and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Wales embraces their position as potential dark horses capable of surprising the three established football nations.
England's opening fixture brings them face-to-face with France. These two tournament contenders will establish the early momentum and possess a significant chance to set the standard for their remaining competitors.
As the current European champions, England must handle the expectations that come with being defending titleholders for the first time. The Lionesses claimed their maiden Euro crown when hosting Women's Euro 2022, though they previously reached the final in 1984 and 2009.
England manager Sarina Wiegman maintains an unblemished European Championship record, boasting 12 victories from 12 matches. Prior to her England tenure, she guided the Netherlands to Women's Euro 2017 glory.
France achieved their finest Women's Euros performance in 2022, falling to Germany in the semifinal stage. This marks France's eighth European championship appearance, having advanced beyond the group phase on just four prior occasions.
France manager Laurent Bonadei recently took charge in 2024 and will experience his first major tournament as head coach in Switzerland.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this captivating Group D encounter at Women's Euro 2025.
What time does England vs. France kick off?
How to Watch England vs. France on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | FOX / VIX |
United Kingdom | BBC ONE / iPlayer |
Canada | TSN4 |
Mexico | ESPN / Disney+ |
England team news
Focus centers on Chelsea star Lauren James, who has been gradually returning to peak condition before Euro 2025. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder played 30 minutes during England's 7–0 preparation victory against Jamaica. She is unlikely to feature in the starting eleven.
Skipper Leah Williamson and Women's Euro 2022 tournament standout Beth Mead both sat out the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup following ACL injuries but are healthy and prepared to spearhead England's campaign in Switzerland this summer.
England predicted lineup vs. France
England (4-2-3-1): Hannah Hampton; Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood, Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze; Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway; Lauren Hemp, Ella Toone, Beth Mead; Alessia Russo
France team news
Former skipper Wendie Renard was surprisingly omitted from the squad by Bonadei several months ago and will miss the tournament. Regrettably for France, her successor, Griedge Mbock Bathy, faces uncertainty for the England match due to a calf problem.
Rising Paris Saint-Germain center-back Thiniba Samoura has been identified as Mbock Bathy's backup should fitness concerns arise during the group phase.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto represents a strong Golden Boot contender at Euro 2025. She suffered an ACL injury at Women's Euro 2022, was absent from the 2023 Women's World Cup, but enters Switzerland having scored three times in eight appearances for France in 2025.
France predicted lineup vs. England
France (4-3-3): Pauline Peyraud-Magnin; Selma Bacha, Maëlle Lakrar, Thiniba Samoura, Élisa De Almeida; Grace Geyoro, Sakina Karchaoui, Sandie Toletti; Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Sandy Baltimore