England vs France: Predicted Lionesses XI for Euro 2025 opener

England vs France headlines the first weekend of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, and the reigning champions have no margin for error when they walk out in Zurich on Saturday evening. Sarina Wiegman’s side may have lifted the trophy at Wembley three years ago, but a revitalised French outfit arrive after a flawless qualifying campaign, adding extra spice to the latest chapter in this storied rivalry.

Why England vs France Sets the Tone for Group D

Group D is brutal. Alongside England vs France, both Wales and the Netherlands lurk, meaning at least one genuine contender will be eliminated before the knock-out phase. Three points on matchday one will therefore shape the entire narrative of the section, and Wiegman’s selection could be decisive.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

GK Mary Earps; RB Lucy Bronze, CB Millie Bright, CB Jess Carter, LB Alex Greenwood; DM Keira Walsh, DM Georgia Stanway; RW Chloe Kelly, AM Ella Toone, LW Rachel Daly; ST Alessia Russo.

Defence Built on Carter’s Form

Few players have grown more than Chelsea’s Jess Carter since Euro 2022. Her speed across the ground and increasing composure in possession make her the ideal partner for aerial dominator Millie Bright. Against France’s direct runners like Kadidiatou Diani, Carter’s recovery pace will be priceless. At full-back, Lucy Bronze’s overlapping zeal and Alex Greenwood’s cultured left foot provide balance.

Midfield Duo Must Control Tempo

Keira Walsh remains the metronome, but France will press high. Enter Georgia Stanway, whose energy and ability to carry the ball through pressure should prevent turnovers in dangerous zones. Stanway’s late surges also free Ella Toone, whose inclusion as No.10 is a reward for her stellar club season that featured double-digit goal contributions.

Toone Over James – for the First Hour

Lauren James is England’s most unpredictable attacker, yet Wiegman often favours structure early and chaos late. Starting Toone over James offers disciplined pressing and quicker ball circulation, vital during the tense opening exchanges of England vs France. Once legs tire, James’ dribbling and long-range shooting become devastating off the bench.

Wing Threats and Centre-Forward Conundrum

Chloe Kelly is almost undroppable after her historic 2022 winner and recent form at Manchester City. On the left, Rachel Daly edges Lauren Hemp because of her two-footedness and willingness to drop inside, creating space for overlapping Greenwood. Alessia Russo leads the line; her link play will let midfielders flood the box, an area France occasionally leave exposed when full-backs push on.

Historic Edge in England vs France Clashes

The sides traded 2-1 victories during qualification, underlining how slim the margins remain. Across their last ten meetings, England vs France has produced four wins each and two draws, with an aggregate score of 13-13. Expect another tight scoreline where set pieces could be decisive—Greenwood’s delivery is therefore a hidden weapon.

Key Battles to Watch

• Bronze vs Cascarino: England must stop Delphine Cascarino’s accelerations; Bronze’s experience will be tested to the limit.
• Walsh vs Geyoro: Whoever dictates rhythm between these deep-lying creators may swing England vs France in her team’s favour.
• Russo vs Renard: Aerial duels inside the French penalty box are inevitable; timing, not height, will be crucial.

Impact Substitutes

Beyond Lauren James, Wiegman can unleash Hemp’s raw pace, Katie Zelem’s dead-ball craft, and the versatility of Esme Morgan to shore up a late lead. Depth has long been England’s trump card and could tilt England vs France once fatigue sets in.

What a Win Would Mean

Collecting three points on matchday one would allow the Lionesses to manage minutes against Wales before a potential decider with the Netherlands. Lose, and every subsequent England vs France comparison will reference how the champions stumbled out of the blocks.

How France Are Likely to Line Up

Hervé Renard favours a fluid 4-3-3 with Wendie Renard anchoring the back line and Grace Geyoro orchestrating midfield. Up front, Marie-Antoinette Katoto returns from injury and could spearhead the attack. The French press has been ferocious in 2025, so England must play through lines quickly or risk being penned back.

Tactical Tweaks Wiegman Could Spring

If England struggle to progress, expect a switch to a 3-4-1-2, pushing Bronze inside as a third centre-back and unleashing wing-backs Hemp and Kelly. That adjustment, trialled in spring friendlies, offers an overload in midfield while still retaining width.

Stat Zone

• England have scored in 18 consecutive competitive fixtures.

• Jess Carter ranks first among WSL centre-backs for interceptions per 90 (3.4) in 2024-25.

• Ella Toone created 2.7 chances per game in the same period, second only to James.

Viewing Information

The BBC will broadcast England vs France live in the UK, with coverage beginning at 19:00 BST. International viewers can find listings on UEFA’s official site.

Opinion

Wiegman’s pragmatism has served England well, but there is a fine line between patience and caution. Starting Toone and Carter signals faith in form players, yet the real ace up her sleeve is James on minute 60. Deploying the Chelsea star as a late game-breaker could prove the difference in an encounter that promises to be decided by a single moment of brilliance.