By Jamie Spencer
What’s at Stake?
That is the hardest check both will seemingly face within the group stage – a Netherlands facet previous their Sarina Wiegman-era classic and first-time qualifiers Wales full the quartet – and it’s first up.
There is a component of getting the ‘large one’ out of the best way after which constructing into the match, however this sport is equally a possibility for both England or France to put down an early marker towards a fellow contender. Profitable right here places high spot within the ultimate group standings and, theoretically, a extra beneficial quarter-final far more inside attain.
Head-to-Head
France maintain historic bragging rights on this worldwide rivalry. In 27 previous conferences, it’s 13 French victories, 9 attracts and solely 5 England wins.
England’s Euro 2017 quarter-final triumph was a primary win towards France since 1974, 19 video games. In qualifying for these Euros, France additionally ended England’s 22-year unbeaten report in main match qualifiers. However England claimed revenge by profitable in Saint-Etienne 4 days later.
Latest Type
In 2025, England have had the highs of beating Spain and having fun with thumping wins over Belgium and Portugal. However they’ve additionally misplaced towards Belgium and drawn with Portugal, whereas struggling the ache of shedding a lead in a decent defeat to Spain only a month in the past. The Lionesses signed off earlier than heading to Switzerland with a 7-0 warm-up pleasant win over Jamaica.
France, in the meantime, are in crimson scorching type. It’s eight wins from eight to date in 2025, together with warm-up victories towards Belgium (5-0) and Brazil (3-2) in late June.
Key Gamers
Alessia Russo was an influence sub for England at Euro 2022. She’s now 26, the reigning FWA Footballer of the Yr, scored a profession greatest 20 objectives in all competitions for Arsenal in 2024/25 and received the Champions League. That is her time to shine.
Loads of eyes might be on Hannah Hampton in objective too. The Chelsea stopper had established herself as England’s most well-liked starter months earlier than Mary Earps conveyed her worldwide retirement, however the shock of that announcement has served to place a brighter highlight on the brand new No.1.
Chelsea winger Sandy Baltimore loved a superb debut season in English soccer in 2024/25 and has been constantly performing for France too. Greater than half (5) of her 9 worldwide objectives have come within the final six months alone.
Workforce Information
All 23 England gamers educated on Friday. However simply how match match is Lauren James? The Chelsea attacker performed slightly below half an hour towards Jamaica for her first look in additional than two months.
There’s a robust probability that the XI named towards Jamaica will begin towards France too, however the likes of James, Grace Clinton, Chloe Kelly and Aggie Beever-Jones supply lots from the bench.
For France, there was real shock when Laurent Bonadei didn’t choose legend Wendie Renard, 34, for this match, whereas all-time report goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer, 36, additionally missed the reduce. Griedge Mbock Bathy fills Lyon teammate Renard’s footwear as captain, however the centre-back has been nursing a calf damage within the days main as much as the primary sport.
Prediction
Profitable would clearly be an enormous assertion for both facet, however not shedding early floor feels extra vital and there may not be something to separate them: France 1-1 England.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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