France Women vs England Women Preview – Predicted Lineups, Key Battles & Score Prediction | UEFA Women’s Euro 2025

One of the most anticipated group-stage clashes of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, this heavyweight matchup between France and England takes place on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich. This is more than a group opener it’s a potential early final.

England, the reigning European champions, arrive in Switzerland under immense pressure to defend their 2022 crown. Since that iconic Wembley win, they’ve experienced a mix of highs such as reaching the World Cup final in 2023and challenges, including recent injuries and the retirement of several senior players like Fran Kirby. Under manager Sarina Wiegman, however, the Lionesses have remained resilient and tactically sharp, with emerging leaders like Leah Williamson, Lauren James, and Alessia Russo stepping up.

France, meanwhile, come into the tournament as perennial contenders but still without a major title. Their talent is unquestioned Kadidiatou Diani and midfield anchors like Grace Geyoro. They’ve looked unstoppable in friendlies and qualifiers, and coach Laurent Bonadéi has quietly transformed the team into a tactically fluid, defensively compact unit. But the pressure is on the French and have stumbled at this stage before. At Euro 2022, they were knocked out in the semi-finals. This year, anything short of the final will be considered underachievement.

Top spot in Group D, which also includes the Netherlands and Wales. With only two advancing, a win here offers a crucial cushion. For England, victory means momentum and proof they remain Europe’s elite. For France, it’s a statement that they’ve closed the gap and perhaps surpassed the Lionesses.

Both sides have everything to prove. And in a rivalry that’s been bubbling in the background of international football, expect fireworks when the whistle blows in Zurich.

Key Battles & Tactical Insight

Midfield Showdown:
Expect Grace Geyoro and Camille Abily to battle England’s Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp for control and momentum between the lines

Wing Duels:
England full backs Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood will aim to contain France’s Kardidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino, who have lightning pace and penetration.

Press vs Possession:
France have been near perfect defensively, conceding just twice in five outings. England must break the press through quick interchanges or risk being stifled

Predicted Lineups (Formation 1st listed is Home)

France (4‑2‑3‑1):
GK – Pauline Peyraud Magnin
RB – Elisa de Almeida | CB – Maelle Lakrar | CB – Griedge Mbock | LB – Selma Bacha
RM – Grace Geyoro | DM – Sandie Toletti | – Sakina Karchaoui
FW – Kadidiatou Diani | ST – Marie-Antoinette Katoto | Sandy Baltimore

England (4‑3‑3):
GK – Hannah Hampton
RB – Lucy Bronze | – Leah Williamson (c) |– Alex Greenwood |– Jess Carter
RM – Keira Welsh | CM – Ella Toone | LM – Georgia Stanway
FW – Beth Mead | ST – Alessia Russo| Lauren Hemp

Players to Watch

France – Grace Geyoro: A midfield anchor and vice-captain, Geyoro brings leadership and tactical readiness crucial to France’s hopes

England – Alessia Russo: England’s number one front-runner, Russo arrived pre-tournament with 7 goals in recent matches and capital ready for impact .

Recent Forms & Statistics

Form (Last 5):

• France: vs Brazil (3‑2), vs Belgium (5‑0), vs Iceland (2‑0), vs Switzerland (4‑0), vs Norway (2‑0)
• England: vs Jamaica (7‑0), vs Spain (1‑2), vs Portugal (6‑0), vs Belgium (2‑3), vs Belgium (5‑0)

Head-to-Head (Last 5 meetings):

• France 1–0 England (Friendly, 2017)
• England 4–1 France (She Believes Cup, 2018)
• France 3–1 England (Friendly, 2021)
• England 2–1 France (Euro qualifier, June 2024)
• France 1–2 England (Euro qualifier, May 2024)
• France vs England opening match in 2025 – upcoming

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