England are preparing for their opening game of Euro 2025 against France as the Lionesses kick off their title defence in Zurich.
The holders have been battling the heat this week but temperatures are likely to cool ahead of their Group D clash against Les Bleues on Saturday evening. The big selection decision is likely to be around Lauren James and Sarina Wiegman has suggested James could start England’s opening match of Euro 2025 against France, or could at least play a significant role in the game, after the forward recovered from a hamstring injury to be fit for the tournament.
Elsewhere at the Euros, the action continued with Group C as Germany defeated tournament debutants Poland 2-0 in a match that was overshadowed by an injury to captain Giulia Gwinn, while Sweden won 1-0 against Denmark. World champions Spain opened their Euros bid with a 5-0 win over Portugal, who were mourning the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in an emotional evening in Bern.
Euro 2025: Latest news and updates
- England build up to opening game against France at Euro 2025
- England handed Lauren James boost ahead of crunch Euro 2025 opener against France
- Leah Williamson reveals injury ‘anxiety’ ahead of leading England’s Euros defence
When is England v France? TV channel, kick-off time and how to watch Lionesses
07:35 , Jamie BraidwoodHolders England kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against France in a heavyweight Group D clash in Zurich on Saturday.
In one of the matches of the whole group stage, the Lionesses begin their quest to retain European Championship title against a dangerous Les Bleues side packed with attacking talent.
And with the Netherlands and Wales completing the “group of death”, the pressure will be on both England and France from the start as they look to safely progress to the quarter-finals.
Sarina Wiegman’s side won the Euros three years ago before reaching the World Cup final in 2023, and have set themselves the challenge of defending their European crown this month.
When is England v France? TV channel, kick-off time and how to watch Lionesses
Euro 2025: How expensive is Switzerland for travellers?
Friday 4 July 2025 22:45 , Jamie BraidwoodThe women’s Euro 2025 football championship is taking place in one of Europe’s most expensive countries: Switzerland.
Ahead of the first matches for both England and Wales, the English midfielder Georgia Stanway described the cost of living in Switzerland as “extremely high” – saying players are paying to help ensure friends and family can support them as they defend their European title in one of the world’s most expensive countries.
'We could be the best team in the tournament'
Friday 4 July 2025 20:45 , Jamie BraidwoodLucy Bronze also said England can be the “best team in the tournament” if they turn up against France and combine what they are capable of both in attack and defence.
“I think we’re just excited to turn up to the tournament and play really well. We’ve got it in us to put on a really good performance.
“I think the last 12 months we’ve [had] some good performances defensively, then, good ones attacking wise, and then trying to mash everything together is always, that’s the dream isn’t it, for every team?
“And I think if we get that right, we could be the best team in the tournament, to be honest.”
Lucy Bronze: Tough opener makes England’s Euro 2025 challenge ‘more exciting’
Friday 4 July 2025 19:45 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland right-back Lucy Bronze insists the tough task of facing France first at Euro 2025 will ensure there are “no surprises” about what it will take for the Lionesses to defend their title in Switzerland.
Sarina Wiegman’s side open their tournament against 2022 semi-finalists France on Saturday in Zurich, then take on 2017 champions the Netherlands on Wednesday before their group stage concludes against newcomers Wales on July 13.
With France and the Netherlands also in the top 11 in FIFA’s global rankings, it is a more difficult immediate ask than England’s 2023 World Cup group, which included matches against Haiti and China, and arguably a far smaller margin for error in the event of a similarly uneven start this time.
Why blockbuster Euro 2025 opener is a huge moment for a ‘new England’
Friday 4 July 2025 18:28 , Miguel DelaneyEngland may be the defending European champions, but this very much isn’t a squad hoping that old approaches - or that reputation - carry them through. Sarina Wiegman was unequivocal on the eve of her team’s Euro 2025 opener against a dangerous France team.
“We call it a new England,” the manager said.
This intent obviously explains a lot of the ructions in the build-up to this tournament, since transition rarely comes without friction. It’s also just as well, as England do actually need something new.
They need to immediately find their feet, and actually start a tournament well.
Why blockbuster Euro 2025 opener is a huge moment for a ‘new England’
How England’s new game-changers can ‘surprise’ the group of death at Euro 2025
Friday 4 July 2025 18:01 , Jamie BraidwoodSpain may be world champions but England are still to beat at Euro 2025. For the past three years, the Lionesses have had a target on their backs as European champions, though it has not always been easy to wear. So, at the start of the year, when Sarina Wiegman gathered her players for the start of their title defence, she began by telling them that there was nothing to defend. “It's a new challenge,” Wiegman said. “We call it the ‘new’ England.”
But talk of the ‘new England’ may be more of a motivation tactic than a reality.
How England’s new game-changers can ‘surprise’ the group of death at Euro 2025
France coach quoted Einstein before dropping captain Wendie Renard from Euro 2025 squad
Friday 4 July 2025 17:45 , Jamie BraidwoodFrance’s captain Wendie Renard and all-time leading goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer were dropped by head coach Laurent Bonadei before Euro 2025, leaving Les Bleues without their two most experienced players as they play England, Wales and Netherlands in Group D.
Renard and Le Sommer were left out by Bonadei for France’s Nations League games against Switzerland and Iceland before the Euros and did not return to make his 23-player squad.
Centre-back Renard, 34, has played 168 times for France and captained her country at last summer’s home Olympic Games in France, while Le Sommer has scored a record 94 goals in 200 appearances.
France have never won a major international tournament and Bonadei, who was assistant to Herve Renard at the 2023 World Cup and Olympics before taking the reins, defended his decision by saying it had been planned for some time.
France coach quoted Einstein before dropping captain from Euro 2025 squad
Sarina Wiegman: 'It's a new challenge, we're the new England'
Friday 4 July 2025 16:58 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman has told her players to not focus on defending their European title, but to instead challenge themselves to go out and win another major trophy at Euro 2025.
There are seven England players who will be making their first appearance at a major tournament and Wiegman, who has won the last two Euros with the Netherlands and the Lionesses, has looked to motivate her squad by drawing a line under their past achievements.
“We absolutely cherish what we have done before,” Wiegman said. “We’ll never forget it and it was the experience of a lifetime for us and for our families and also for the fans, but you have to move on and you have to be on top of it.
“Things are changing very quickly, things are developing very quickly, so we have to do too. And we came together, it was actually in February and then we came to, to this day we said, yeah, it's a new challenge The approach was there anyway, but we call it the ‘new’ England.”
Leah Williamson reveals injury ‘anxiety’ ahead of leading England’s Euros defence
Friday 4 July 2025 16:56 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland captain Leah Williamson has revealed she held some “anxiety” ahead of leading England’s Euro 2025 campaign in Switzerland after being ruled out of the last World Cup with a serious knee injury.
Williamson captained the Lionesses to their historic victory at Euro 2022 three years ago but played no part in their run to the World Cup final in 2023 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury just weeks before the tournament.
On the eve of England’s opening game against France in Zurich, Williamson said she was “excited” and “intrigued” to experience another Euros but admitted the pain of missing the World Cup had weighed on her mind before the tournament.
Leah Williamson reveals injury ‘anxiety’ ahead of leading England’s Euros defence
England handed Lauren James boost ahead of crunch Euro 2025 opener against France
Friday 4 July 2025 16:55 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman has suggested Lauren James could start England’s opening match of Euro 2025 against France, or could at least play a significant role in the game, after the forward recovered from a hamstring injury to be fit for the tournament.
James played the final 30 minutes of England’s 7-0 send-off win against Jamaica on Sunday, in what was the Chelsea forward’s first appearance in three months, and Wiegman said the 23-year-old “can play more than that” in Zurich against France on Saturday night.
“She’s in a good place,” Wiegman said. “She came on the pitch in against Jamaica last week and she's ready to get more minutes tomorrow.”
When asked if James could start, Wiegman was tight-lipped but replied: “I'm not going to give you the line-up, but she played 30 minutes last week, so she can play more than that, so I think that will say enough.”
The two sides of Sarina Wiegman’s approach driving the ‘noise’ around England
Friday 4 July 2025 15:35 , Miguel DelaneyFor the seven England players enjoying their first ever tournament call-up, there is a new sense of wonder at being part of a team that is a genuine cultural force. A giddy excitement could be sensed around some of the Euro 2025 advertising campaigns, which you can now see all over England.
“Admire England,” one starts, but “Fear the Lionesses.” The campaign goes on to say, “Chloe’s calm, Kelly’s chaos”, “Leah charms, Williamson commands”.
It might be an apt theme on a few levels, some unintended. Because, when you speak to people around Sarina Wiegman’s camp, there are almost two sides to most discussions around the team.
The two sides of Sarina Wiegman’s approach driving the ‘noise’ around England
England’s Euro 2025 squad: Guide to every Lionesses player
Friday 4 July 2025 15:05 , Jamie BraidwoodA “new” England heads to Switzerland for Euro 2025 look to defend the title they won on home soil three years ago.
There have been plenty of changes and seven players, from 19-year-old striker Michelle Agyemeng to the uncapped 30-year-old goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, will be taking part in their first major international tournament.
But several winners from Euro 2022 will be back again under Sarina Wiegman, with captain Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead bringing the experience and setting the standards as England look to retain their crown.
“I think we’ve got a good blend and everyone has earned the right to be here,” Mead said when assessing the 23-player group. “They all bring something different.
“I think you can see the energy some of the young girls have going into a tournament for the first time and also the girls who have a bit more experience who can help them on that journey as well.”
How England are battling the heat at Euro 2025
Friday 4 July 2025 14:35 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland players are wearing cooling vests during training sessions, filling their drinks with crushed ice, and using cryotherapy chambers for recovery to combat the scorching temperatures in Switzerland ahead of their opening game of Euro 2025 on Saturday.
The Lionesses kick off their title defence against France in Zurich, when temperatures across the country are likely to have cooled slightly, but their preparations for their opening game have come amid extreme heat warnings as the tournament begins.
'We're still building her': What Wiegman said about James fitness
Friday 4 July 2025 14:05 , Jamie Braidwood“We’re still building her. She’s worked so hard to be here where she is now. At Chelsea first, but then the last two weeks in training camps, she could do every single training session and did really well.
“Now this is the first time she could get minutes and we hope next week we can keep building her going into France.
“Also there is a lot of competition going on upfront and in midfield so we’ve figured out over the last couple days how we will start.”
England players train ahead of France opener
Friday 4 July 2025 14:01 , Jamie BraidwoodAll 23 England players trained in Zurich this afternoon ahead of their Euros opener against France tomorrow evening. The final part was open to the media and included some small-sided games.
What is the early England team news?
Friday 4 July 2025 13:35 , Jamie BraidwoodLauren James made her return from injury in England’s 7-0 win over Jamaica on Sunday, playing the final half hour in the send-off friendly. Sarina Wiegman said the Chelsea star is still “building” her fitness after three months out, so may start from the bench.
Wiegman’s biggest selection decisions come at No 10 and left back. Ella Toone and Jess Carter impressed in the win over Jamaica, so may have done enough to keep their places. That could mean the Lionesses are unchanged from Sunday.
Euros winners Mary Earps and Fran Kirby announced their retirements before the Euros, while vice-captain Millie Bright made herself unavailable for selection and subsequently underwent knee surgery, so is missing from the tournament.
Possible England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; Mead, Russo, Hemp
When is England v France? Euro 2025 kick-off time and how to watch Lionesses
Friday 4 July 2025 13:05 , Jamie BraidwoodHolders England kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against France in a heavyweight Group D clash in Zurich on Saturday.
In one of the matches of the whole group stage, the Lionesses begin their quest to retain European Championship title against a dangerous Les Bleues side packed with attacking talent.
And with the Netherlands and Wales completing the “group of death”, the pressure will be on both England and France from the start as they look to safely progress to the quarter-finals.
Sarina Wiegman’s side won the Euros three years ago before reaching the World Cup final in 2023, and have set themselves the challenge of defending their European crown this month.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Group D opener.
When is England v France? Euro 2025 kick-off time and how to watch Lionesses
Sarina Wiegman has ‘concern’ with social media but won’t police England’s usage
Friday 4 July 2025 12:35 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland boss Sarina Wiegman concedes social media is a “concern” but refuses to police her players’ use of the platforms.
Striker Alessia Russo recently revealed she will be avoiding social media at Euro 2025 in Switzerland after falling into the scrolling “trap” at the 2022 tournament, where the Lionesses secured their first major trophy, but others have suggested they will be less rigid.
That home triumph catapulted both England’s players and their manager into the public eye in ways both welcome and challenging.
“Yes, there is a concern,” said Wiegman, speaking from England’s Zurich base on Wednesday.
“With the team we make principles of how to use social media when and I would never say ‘you’re not allowed to use social media’ because that’s not how I work.”
Sarina Wiegman has ‘concern’ with social media but won’t police England’s usage
Sarina Wiegman: ‘My England players can say I’m direct but I am not blunt’
Friday 4 July 2025 12:06 , Jamie BraidwoodFour years into the England job, and on the eve of her third major tournament in charge of the Lionesses, Sarina Wiegman reflects on how her role has changed, and how it has changed her. "My approach is the same. I just worry a little bit less,” Wiegman says, appearing relaxed and in a typically open and honest mood at England’s Euro 2025 base camp at the five-star Dolder Grand hotel, perched like a medieval castle above Lake Zurich in Switzerland.
The England manager spoke about “hating rules”, why she wants to be “caring” towards her players but can’t, and why she is “not blunt”.
Sarina Wiegman: ‘My England players can say I’m direct but I am not blunt’
'Everyone is thinking of them': Lionesses rocked by Diogo Jota death
Friday 4 July 2025 11:35 , Jamie BraidwoodA Lionesses statement read: “We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend.
“The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo’s family and friends, and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams.
“We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre’s memory.”
Bronze said: “Yeah it definitely shocked all the squad when we woke up this morning and the news started to spread.
“Obviously we have a lot of Liverpool fans in our team and football fans, but for people in general, everyone is just thinking of them – him and his brother. They were so young as well. We have seen all the messages on social media and stuff so you can tell what a great guy he has been. It’s just really sad and we were shocked by the news, really.”
England’s Lucy Bronze says Lionesses are standing with Portugal after Diogo Jota’s death
Friday 4 July 2025 11:05 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland defender Lucy Bronze said the Lionesses would lend their full support to the Portuguese team at Euro 2025 after they were “shocked” by the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Portugal play World Cup champions Spain in their tournament opener on Thursday night in Bern, where a minute’s silence will be observed in honour of the Portugal international and 28-year-old father of three, who was killed in a car crash alongside his brother in Spain.
Bronze, who was born in Berwick-Upon-Tweed to a Portuguese father and an English mother, said the Lionesses were stunned when word travelled through the camp in Zurich, where they are preparing to open their title defence against France on Saturday.
Lucy Bronze says Lionesses are standing with Portugal after Diogo Jota’s death
‘One of our own’: How grieving Portugal remembered ‘eternal’ Diogo Jota at Euro 2025
Friday 4 July 2025 10:25 , Jamie BraidwoodFrom the darkness, Portugal were faced with an impossible task: to bring some light into the world after the heartbreaking tragedy of losing one of their own. The death of Diogo Jota, killed in a car crash with his brother Andre Silva in the early hours of Thursday morning, had shaken the Portugal team when they woke up on the morning of their opening match of Euro 2025 against Spain. Afterwards, a 5-0 defeat to the world champions barely scratches the surface in the face of such a loss.
‘One of our own’: How grieving Portugal remembered ‘eternal’ Diogo Jota at Euro 2025
Euro 2025 TV schedule: How to watch every match today
Friday 4 July 2025 10:19 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter three years of waiting, Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland as holders England go in search of a second European crown and Wales make their major tournament debuts.
The action continues on Friday with Group C, as Germany take on tournament debutants Poland and Sweden and Denmark clash. Germany are entering a new era, with a number of experienced players departing since their Euro 2022 final defeat to England and their group stage exit from the last World Cup, but a young team is expected to be among the favourites in Switzerland.
Good morning
Friday 4 July 2025 10:18 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland are preparing for their opening game of Euro 2025 against France as the Lionesses kick off their title defence in Zurich.
The holders have been battling the heat this week but temperatures are likely to cool ahead of their Group D clash against Les Bleues on Saturday evening. The big selection decision is likely to be around Lauren James, who has recovered from her hamstring injury and made an impressive 30 minutes off the bench in England’s send-off win over Jamaica last week. Sarina Wiegman indicated James is not likely to start but will give an update at her pre-match press conference this afternoon.
Elsewhere at the Euros, the action continues with Group C as Germany take on tournament debutants Poland and Sweden and Denmark clash. Last night, world champions Spain opened their Euros bid with a 5-0 win over Portugal, who were mourning the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in an emotional evening in Bern.
