France Vs England

France will mark their eighth consecutive appearance at the UEFA Women’s European Championship in 2025, having once again proven their dominance in qualification. The French team, widely known as “Les Bleues,” secured their automatic spot in the tournament by finishing top of their group, which notably included England. Their qualification campaign consisted of four victories out of six matches, with their only blemishes being two defeats. Among their most memorable moments in qualifying was a crucial 2-1 victory on English soil in May 2024, which cemented their place at the summit of the group standings.

This performance served not only as a statement of intent but also as a reminder of France’s consistency and growth on the continental stage. Over the years, they have become a reliable force in European women’s football, and their track record proves it. France has managed to reach the knockout rounds of the last four European Championships, a testament to their tactical maturity and squad depth. Their most impressive finish in that period came in the 2022 edition of the tournament, where they advanced all the way to the semi-finals. That inspiring run came to an end at the hands of Germany, who narrowly edged them out with a 2-1 win, leaving France just one step short of the final.

Despite that heartbreak, the French team have only grown in stature. Their recent performances in international competitions have shown that they are serious contenders for the 2025 title. A flawless campaign in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year helped bolster their confidence even further. Facing formidable opponents such as Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, France emerged from the group stage with a perfect record—six wins from six matches. This commanding performance earned them a spot in the final four of the tournament and served as a key foundation heading into the Euros.

Their dominance in the Nations League was followed by a string of friendly matches designed to fine-tune the squad and maintain momentum. These warm-up games resulted in victories over Belgium and Brazil, both of which were important in maintaining their winning rhythm. France is currently on an eight-match unbeaten run since their defeat to Spain in December, further highlighting their strength ahead of the tournament.

This string of results is part of a broader pattern of success in the early stages of European Championships. Since their 5-1 defeat to Germany in 2009, France has gone unbeaten in ten consecutive group stage matches in the competition, recording six wins and four draws. This remarkable consistency suggests that France tends to start strong in major tournaments—a valuable asset in such a competitive environment.

As they enter Women’s Euro 2025, France will be aiming to build on this momentum and finally go all the way. Leading their charge is Grace Geyoro, one of the most reliable midfielders in the international game, who has grown into a central figure in the squad. Her leadership and ability to dictate the tempo of matches will be pivotal if France is to push deep into the tournament once again.

On the other side of the pitch, England are preparing to defend their crown as reigning European champions. After their historic triumph in 2022, when they lifted their first-ever major tournament trophy on home soil, the Lionesses now have their sights set on retaining the title. That victory was achieved through a series of impressive performances. They dispatched Spain and Sweden in the knockout stages before overcoming traditional powerhouse Germany in a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium.

England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, enters the 2025 edition with an enviable pedigree. Already a two-time European Championship winner—first with the Netherlands in 2017 and then with England five years later—Wiegman is aiming to achieve a historic third consecutive title as a coach. Under her guidance, England has become one of the most formidable and tactically disciplined teams in women’s football.

However, England's path to the Euros has not been without its share of challenges. Their recent UEFA Nations League campaign yielded mixed results, with three wins, one draw, and two defeats across six matches. These performances were enough to secure second place in the group behind Spain, but they also revealed areas that still require fine-tuning. In particular, their narrow loss to Spain at the beginning of June highlighted defensive lapses and the need for better transitions in midfield.

Nevertheless, England bounced back in emphatic fashion with a comprehensive 7-0 friendly win against Jamaica. That match served as a morale booster for the squad and a showcase of their attacking depth. Ella Toone was the standout performer, scoring twice, while Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Beth Mead also found the net. This dominant display provided Wiegman with a timely reminder of the firepower at her disposal and restored confidence ahead of their tournament opener.

England’s upcoming clash against France is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of the group stage. Although they lost 2-1 to the French side at home during the qualification phase, they gained a measure of revenge by defeating them 3-1 in the reverse fixture later that year. This recent history will likely add extra intensity and a sense of familiarity when the two sides meet again on the grand stage.

The Lionesses also have a history of starting tournaments strongly, having won their opening game in each of the last two European Championships. In 2022, they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Austria to begin their campaign, and they’ll be hoping for a similar result this time around to set the tone early.

From a form perspective, both teams are arriving in solid shape. France have not lost a match in eight outings, while England have won four of their last six, suffering two defeats along the way. These trajectories suggest a closely contested match, with both sides eager to lay down a marker.

France’s squad selection, however, has raised a few eyebrows. Head coach Laurent Bonadei made the bold decision to leave out two iconic figures—Wendie Renard, a seasoned defender with years of top-level experience, and Eugénie Le Sommer, the country's all-time leading goalscorer. Their omissions have generated debate, but Bonadei has opted to put his trust in a new generation.

In central defense, Maëlle Lakrar is expected to partner Griedge Mbock, providing a mix of youthful energy and aerial strength. On the flanks, the defense will be anchored by Elisa De Almeida and Selma Bacha, both of whom are known for their speed and attacking prowess. In attack, the French are likely to deploy Marie-Antoinette Katoto as the focal point of their forward line, supported by the dynamic Kadidiatou Diani and the creative Sandy Baltimore. This front three has the potential to cause serious problems for any defense, blending pace, technical skill, and an eye for goal.

England, meanwhile, enter the tournament missing several key players. Two of the squad’s most experienced figures, goalkeeper Mary Earps and attacking midfielder Fran Kirby, have recently announced their retirement from international football. Additionally, center-back Millie Bright has declared herself unavailable due to fitness concerns, stating she was not mentally or physically prepared to contribute at full capacity.

Despite these absences, England’s lineup remains full of talent. Lauren James, one of the brightest stars in the squad, recently returned from a three-month injury layoff and made an appearance as a substitute in the rout of Jamaica. Although she may not be risked from the start against France, her presence on the bench provides a valuable option if England need a spark later in the game.

Sarina Wiegman may choose to stick with the starting XI that impressed against Jamaica. If she does, England will likely line up with a back four consisting of Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, and Jess Carter—each of whom brings a combination of experience, tactical awareness, and composure. In attack, Alessia Russo has found the net in England’s last two matches and will be eager to extend her scoring run against a strong French defense.

With two elite teams full of quality and ambition set to collide, the match between France and England promises to be one of the most anticipated encounters of the tournament. Both teams have their sights set on the final and possess the tools to get there, but only one can take early control of the group.

The encounter will not only be a showcase of some of the finest talent in the women's game but also a crucial step in each team’s pursuit of European glory. Whether it’s the flair and confidence of France or the tenacity and tactical excellence of England that ultimately prevails, fans can expect a fiercely competitive match—one worthy of the tournament’s highest stage.