England Women get the defence of their European title underway when they face France Women at Stadion Letzigrund on Saturday 5th July at 8pm (UK time). Both sides have been placed in the toughest group at Women’s Euro 2025, and know victory in their first game would be a big boost in their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. This game will be broadcast live on ITV1.
England to win and BTTS (4/1 with BetMGM)
The Lionesses haven’t won in their past four games played outside of England. But their last such victory was a 1-2 away win against France in June 2024. This should be a close game, as have been their most recent encounters, but England have plenty of talent in their ranks and we’re backing them to come through this match with a victory. France are no slouches themselves though and should definitely be getting themselves on the scoresheet.
Beth Mead to assist anytime (11/2 with BetMGM)
Beth Mead has provided four assists in six games at the European Championships. She has also scored or assisted in three of her past four games for England. Her recent record for the national team has been superb and, if she can carry that into this tournament, then England have a good chance of making the latter stages and having a real impact on things.
- Enhanced Offers
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Very Competitive Odds
New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.
How both teams go into France vs England
France have never reached a major tournament final, finishing fourth at the 2011 Women’s World Cup and reaching the semi-finals at Euro 2022. They followed up the Euro 2022 semi-final exit with defeat in the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Cup, knocked out on penalties by Australia. It hasn’t been a smooth period for France, with Herve Renard replacing Corinne Diacre but only lasting a year before leaving.
Laurent Bonadei is now in charge and he’s trying to put his stamp on this team. That has led to a few big exclusions from France’s squad, including Wendie Renard, Kenza Dali and Eugenie Le Sommer. Despite that, France come into Euro 2025 in good form, winning all eight of their matches in 2025, keeping six clean sheets.
England are the defending European champions. But this is not the team of 2022. The Lionesses have won just three of their six games in 2025 so far, losing two. That includes a shock defeat to Belgium in the Uefa Nations League. But England remain among the favourites and are looking to reach their third successive major tournament final, having finished as runners-up at the 2023 World Cup.
It’s a tough group for England, but they have a good record at this stage of major tournaments. The Lionesses have won each of their last 14 group stage games at major tournaments. It’s the longest such run of any European national in women’s football history.
France team news
As mentioned, the big news for France is the absences of Renard, Dali and Le Sommer. Griedge Mbock Bathy is one of the guaranteed starters at centre-back, but Bonadei has been been rotating options to partner the Lyon defender. Marie-Antionette Katoto is expected to lead the line.
England team news
England are without Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Fran Kirby for Euro 2025. Earps and Kirby both retired from international football this summer, the latter after finding out she wouldn’t be named in the squad. Lauren James made her return from injury in the 7-0 friendly win over Jamaica, coming off the bench to provide an assist.
France vs England head-to-head
These sides shared 1-2 away wins in qualifying for Euro 2025, with France finishing top of their group. France currently lead the head-to-head with 13 wins to England’s five across their 27 matches.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 04/06/24 | France 1-2 England | Euro 2025 qualifying |
| 31/05/24 | England 1-2 France | Euro 2025 qualifying |
| 09/04/21 | France 3-1 England | Friendly |
| 01/03/18 | England 4-1 France | Friendly |
| 20/10/17 | France 1-0 England | Friendly |