Women's Euro 2025: Lionesses face France in decisive opening match

England are one of the favourites to lift the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro behind tournament favourites Spain. Sarina Wiegman's charges are the current defending champions after winning the tournament three years ago.

The Lionesses also reached the 2023 World Cup final, which means all eyes will be on them in this tournament to deliver. Their opening match in the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro is against France, and a strong start here is expected from them. 

However, suffering defeat in the first round could see them come from behind, forcing them to play catch up. Can England send a message of intent and secure a win on the first matchday, or will they stumble and fall?

England are in a group of death

As mentioned in the previous article, England are placed in Group D, and their opponents in this group include France, the Netherlands, and newcomers Wales. Considering the quality they possess, expectations are leaning towards the Lionesses finishing at the top. 

France and the Netherlands are expected to cause problems for the defending champions and can not be underestimated. 

Check out past meetings between England and opponents in Group D in the table below:

Key Players 

There are a few names that stand out in the England squad despite the absence of three crucial names. From the list below, we cover a few names that could potentially be game-changers for England in this competition:

Millie Bright plays as a center-back, and her involvement in the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro could be important. She was the captain in the 2023 World Cup that was held in Australia and New Zealand. Her leadership qualities could come in handy, not to mention vocal organization.

Lauren James, the Chelsea star, did not feature that much for her team in the 2024-25 season because of injury. However, she did make nine appearances and finished with three goals and one assist. The 23-year-old forward is known for her creativity on the field, from technical brilliance to creating something out of nothing you name it.

Check out our 2025 UEFA Women's Euro predictions

Challenging opener against France

England are no strangers to exchanging blows with France. This marks the 13th meeting between these two sides, and the Lionesses have not had it easy. France, on the other hand, are not an opponent to be taken lightly despite being predicted to finish as runners-up in Group D.

So far, these two sides have met 15 times, and England are on the receiving end of poor results. The Lionesses have won just three times during this period with France notching an impressive nine wins.

This is also one of England's toughest matches as they go up against a side that has won each of their last five opening group games in the UEFA Women's Euro. For betting insights on this match head on to our France vs England prediction.

Sarina Wiegman's squad

Head coach Sarina Wiegman has traveled to Switzerland for the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro with 23 players. It's important to mention that 13 of those players are the last of the team that won the European Women's Championship three years ago.

There are also seven players who will be making their first appearance for the senior national team and the list includes Anna Moorhouse, Michelle Agyemang, Grace Clinton, Jess Park, Aggie Beever-Jones, Maya Le Tissier, and Khiara Keating. 

Let's have a look at the 23-player squad for the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro:

Goalkeepers: Anna Moorhouse, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating 

Defenders: Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Jess Carter, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Lucy Bronze, Maya Le Tissier, Niamh Charles

Midfielders: Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Georgia Stanway, Jess Park, Keira Walsh 

Forwards: Aggie Beever-Jones, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Michelle Agyemang.

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