England vs France Euro 2025: How the Lionesses Should Start

England vs France Euro 2025 is finally upon us, and the defending champions know that a flying start in Zurich could make or break their entire tournament. The meeting with Les Bleues is not only the glamour tie of Group D but also a potential decider in a pool that also contains the Netherlands and Wales. Six points from the opening two matchdays will almost guarantee a quarter-final berth, so Sarina Wiegman’s first XI against France must be spot-on. Below is a position-by-position look at the side that should take the field on Saturday, plus the tactical tweaks required for this high-stakes clash.

England vs France Euro 2025: Predicted Lionesses XI

Wiegman’s preferred 4-3-3 has delivered silverware before, and there is no need for wholesale change. Continuity brings clarity, but recent form demands a couple of bold calls that can tilt the balance in England’s favour during England vs France Euro 2025.

Goalkeeper: Earps Remains Undisputed No.1

Mary Earps’ shot-stopping heroics in qualifying and at last summer’s World Cup mean she keeps the gloves. Her command of the area will be vital against a French side that love early crosses from Sakina Karchaoui and Delphine Cascarino.

Back Four: Carter Deserves Her Chance

Jess Carter has developed into Chelsea’s most reliable one-v-one defender, and her performances in the Champions League earn her a start at right-back. Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright form the centre-back pairing, offering balance between composure and aggression. At left-back, Lucy Bronze’s experience and overlapping thrust remain priceless. This back line gives England vs France Euro 2025 the solidity it needs.

Midfield Trio: Walsh Shield, Toone Spark

Keira Walsh anchors the midfield, screening the defence and dictating tempo. Georgia Stanway’s box-to-box engine partners her, freeing Ella Toone to play as the advanced No.10. Toone’s clever movement between the lines was decisive in Manchester United’s run-in and can prise open France’s compact 4-4-2 diamond. In England vs France Euro 2025 terms, this trio offers the perfect blend of control and creativity.

Front Three: Russo Leads, Hemp Provides Width

Alessia Russo’s hold-up play gives England an outlet under pressure. Lauren Hemp, arguably Europe’s most explosive winger, starts on the left to attack the space behind Eve Périsset. Beth Mead, now back to full sharpness, edges out Chloe Kelly on the right because of her superior combinations with Bronze. That attacking trident is well-balanced for England vs France Euro 2025 and can stretch any defence.

Tactical Keys Featuring the England vs France Euro 2025 Focus Keyword

Press High but Protect Walsh

Les Bleues build through Wendie Renard’s raking diagonals. England should press high, with Russo blocking the passing lane into the towering centre-back, yet Stanway must stay close enough to Walsh to prevent overloads. In England vs France Euro 2025 qualifying, gaps around the pivot proved costly in Newcastle; Wiegman will not want a repeat.

Exploit the Inside Channels

France often defend narrowly, relying on athletic full-backs to recover. Toone drifting wide, creating triangles with Hemp and Bronze, could isolate the slower Renard. Those inside-left channel runs were crucial in England’s 2-1 win in Saint-Étienne and need to be repeated at England vs France Euro 2025.

Set-Piece Threat

England have scored eight of their last 15 competitive goals from dead-ball situations. Greenwood’s deliveries and Bright’s aerial power remain lethal weapons. Against a physically imposing side like France, set-pieces could swing momentum during England vs France Euro 2025.

Bench Options: James as Game-Breaking Substitute

Lauren James is majestic with the ball at her feet but can drift in and out of games. Introducing her on 60 minutes, when spaces open up and legs tire, may maximise her impact. Chloe Kelly offers pace for the counter, while Katie Zelem provides a late passing metronome. These options ensure England vs France Euro 2025 can be managed dynamically from the sideline.

Why Carter and Toone Must Start

Carter’s inclusion is not just a reward for form; it directly counters France’s biggest weapon, the pace of Kadidiatou Diani. Meanwhile, Toone injects line-breaking runs that pull markers away from Russo, something England sorely missed when struggling to break down packed defences in spring friendlies. Both players give England vs France Euro 2025 an extra layer of unpredictability.

What England Must Fear from France

Hervé Renard’s team have won every match in 2025 thanks to a devastating transitional game. Grace Geyoro’s surges from midfield and Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s penalty-box movement demand vigilance. If England overcommit, they could be punished. Controlling tempo is therefore non-negotiable in England vs France Euro 2025.

Group D Permutations

With the Netherlands lurking and Wales capable of springing an upset, defeat on matchday one would be perilous. Four points is usually enough to progress, but victory would allow Wiegman to rotate against Wales before a possible winner-takes-all encounter with the Dutch. That is why England vs France Euro 2025 might define the entire group.

My Verdict

Stick with the trusted structure, reward Carter and Toone for outstanding domestic seasons, and unleash Lauren James when the French legs tire. Do that, and the Lionesses will take a giant first step toward retaining their crown.