The Lionesses’ Euros title defence got off to a dreadful start on Saturday night as they were played off the park by France, falling to a 2-1 defeat in Zurich. Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore scored three minutes apart to hand France a commanding lead at the half, and Les Bleus were unlucky not to add more in the second half, though they did enough to cancel out Keira Walsh’s late consolation.
The final score flattered England. France lacked a clinical edge throughout the tie, and could, or rather should, have scored several more than they did. It was a rude awakening for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who appeared to be in good spirits and on fine form after beating Jamaica 7-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.
But that result turned out to be mere paper over cracks. The Lionesses endured a fraught training camp before flying to Switzerland, marred by the international retirements of the long-serving Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, while Chelsea’s Millie Bright also made herself unavailable. As French goals began to fly in Zurich, England were crying out for their big game nous.
France vs England latest news
- GOAL! Walsh pulls one back
- GOAL! Baltimore doubles France lead
- GOAL! Katoto opens scoring
- VAR! Russo opener disallowed
- Kick off: 8pm BST, Stadion Letzigrund
- How to watch: ITV1, ITVX
CATCH UP ON THE ACTION
22:14 , Arthur FerridgeThe Lionesses’ Euros title defence got off to a dreadful start on Saturday night as they were played off the park by France, falling to a 2-1 defeat in Zurich.
Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore scored three minutes apart to hand France a commanding lead at the half, and Les Bleus were unlucky not to add more in the second half, though they did enough to cancel out Keira Walsh’s late consolation.
The final score flattered England. France lacked a clinical edge throughout the tie, and could, or rather should, have scored several more than they did.
It was a rude awakening for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who appeared to be in good spirits and on fine form after beating Jamaica 7-0 in a pre-tournament friendly.
But that result turned out to be mere paper over cracks. The Lionesses endured a fraught training camp before flying to Switzerland, marred by the international retirements of the long-serving Mary Earps and Fran Kirby, while Chelsea’s Millie Bright also made herself unavailable.
As French goals began to fly in Zurich, England were crying out for their big game nous.
FULL TIME: France 2-1 England
22:01 , Arthur FerridgeThat does it - England get off to a poor start in their Euro 2025 opener.
The scoreline flatters the Three Lions, it must be said. A deserved win for France.
France 2-1 England
21:59 , Arthur Ferridge90+7mins: One last England attack comes to an end, but still there is no final whistle!
France 2-1 England
21:58 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: Frenetic closing stages here as shots fly from all corners, but still the equaliser evades England.
France 2-1 England
21:57 , Arthur Ferridge90+4mins: Jean-Francois is down injured here. It appeared deathly serious when she first went down, but looks to be suffering from cramp. In the 94th minute.
Sam Tabuteau reports
21:53 , Arthur FerridgeA shot on target, a goal and perhaps an unlikely equaliser for England?
GOAL! France 2-1 England
21:50 , Arthur Ferridge87mins: WHAT A GOAL KEIRA WALSH! The corner falls to her on the edge of the box and she places it just out of the France keeper’s reach.
They couldn’t, could they?
France 2-0 England
21:49 , Arthur FerridgeWhat’s this? England have got their act together! Toone manages a pair of shots, and earns a corner.
France 2-0 England
21:44 , Arthur Ferridge81mins: Malard flies forwards through the middle but a crucial touch from Lucy Bronze denies her a shooting opportunity.
France 2-0 England
21:42 , Arthur Ferridge80mins: Must be said - how have France not scored this half? They should be very disappointed to head back to camp with only a two-goal lead.
Sam Tabuteau reports
21:41Still no shot on target for England here. There was aggression and intensity in the Lionesses' early play but they are disappearing without a whimper in Zurich. It's been oh so easy for France in the second-half.
France 2-0 England
21:39 , Arthur Ferridge77mins: France go close again from the set-piece, but still that third goal eludes them. England replace Stanway with Clinton.
France 2-0 England
21:38 , Arthur Ferridge75mins: Toone goes into the book for a no-nonsense tackle on Bacha. Argument to be made that she got the ball, but what can you do?
France 2-0 England
21:35 , Arthur Ferridge72mins: England’s on-pitch woes are in stark contrast to the jubilant crowd, as a Mexican Wave makes what looks to be its third or fourth lap of the ground.
France 2-0 England
21:33 , Arthur Ferridge70mins: Red card check is over. No dice.
France 2-0 England
21:32 , Arthur Ferridge69mins: A brief pause for treatment following a crunching coming together between Williamson and Karchaoui. Red card check is ongoing, but feels unlikely.
France 2-0 England
21:28 , Arthur Ferridge65mins: How is it not three for France! Hampton drops Mateo’s cross into the path of Diani, but just about recovers as Stanway clears.
Sam Tabuteau reports
21:26 , Arthur FerridgeEngland have been sloppy, not able to conjure up any sort of reaction and Wiegman has subsequently looked to her bench. France will be very happy if it stays this way.
France 2-0 England
21:25 , Arthur Ferridge61mins: France also make changes. Cascarino, Baltimore, and Katoto make way for Malard, Diani, and Mateo. The three new faces scored 32 goals between them last season, and Malard went remarkably close to adding a 33rd immediately after coming on.
France 2-0 England
21:23 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: Wiegman rolls the dice. Carter, Mead, and James, make way for Charles, Kelly, and Toone.
France 2-0 England
21:22 , Arthur Ferridge59mins: Baltimore zips in behind and plays to Karshaoui, whose shot is parried away. Bronze, generally quite confident, looks petrified every time Baltimore dribbles near her.
France 2-0 England
21:20 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: England go for the same routine, but Hemp opts this time to pass. The pass is cut out.
France 2-0 England
21:20 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Mead plays the corner short to Hemp, who turns and shoots, winning a second corner.
France 2-0 England
21:19 , Arthur Ferridge56mins: We have just been treated to a very brief glimpse at what England can do. Three incisive passes from Hemp, to Mead, and to James win the Lionesses a corner.
France 2-0 England
21:18 , Arthur Ferridge55mins: Thomas Tuchel is in the stands and looks less than impressed.
France 2-0 England
21:18 , Arthur Ferridge54mins: Mead plays a bafflingly bad pass towards her own goal, threading Katoto in behind. Hampton is equal to her shot, though - just about. She lets it slip under her and scrambles back to stop it on the line.
France 2-0 England
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: How has she missed that! Hemp squares to Russo and she trips over her own feet, failing to direct the shot at goal. France sweep up behind her.
France 2-0 England
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge51mins: Close for France again! De Almeida has been lively since the break and cuts in off the right flank. She looks to curl one at the far post but hits the side netting.
France 2-0 England
21:13 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: Almeida drives goalwards from her own half, but cannot pick a pass. She decides instead to shoot from range, but her effort is tame.
France 2-0 England
21:12 , Arthur Ferridge49mins: Mead wins the ball high and breaks at goal, but is deemed to have fouled Karchaoui in doing so. It is a very soft foul - clearly shoulder to shoulder.
France 2-0 England
21:11 , Arthur Ferridge47mins: England’s play looks sloppy at the minute. Hemp ends an attack with an awkward handball, Mead gives France possession by knocking a ball out of play under little pressure. They need to wake up.
2ND HALF: France 2-0 England
21:08 , Arthur FerridgeWe are back underway!
The onus is on England now to turn the tide here. No changes for either side.
HALF: France 2-0 England
20:53 , Arthur FerridgeThe corner comes to nought, and France’s counter is not humoured.
The Lionesses have it all to do in the second stanza.
France 2-0 England
20:53 , Arthur Ferridge45+5mins: The half will end on an England corner...
France 2-0 England
20:5145+4mins: Time is running out for England to get their own back before the halftime whistle blows, and there is no great sense of urgency towards that end either.
France 2-0 England
20:49 , Arthur Ferridge45+2mins: England are on track to finish the half without a shot on target, save, of course, for Russo’s disallowed goal, which unfortunately does not count.
France 2-0 England
20:48 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: Lauren James tracks back to defend Sandy Baltimore, and does a marginally better job than Bronze, winning a goal kick. FIve minutes added.
France 2-0 England
20:47 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: England’s corner goes unclaimed and France break, but Carter tracks back to put down the counter.
France 2-0 England
20:46 , Arthur Ferridge44mins: England look to stem the France flow. James cuts through the middle and plays Mead wide, but she can only win a corner. A goal before half will be vital for England here.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:45 , Arthur FerridgeFrance have been threatening for a while and England are bang in trouble here. Two goals in three minutes and the challengers are now firmly in charge against the holders. That early optimism seems a long time ago.
France 2-0 England
20:43 , Arthur Ferridge41mins: After an extended VAR check, France’s goal stands. Sandy Baltimore will not be a popular figure in the Chelsea dressing room when they meet up for preseason.
GOAL! France 2-0 England
20:42 , Arthur Ferridge39mins: England are all at sea here. Baltimore drives at Lucy Bronze and sits her Chelsea teammate down before lashing one past another Chelsea teammate in Hannah Hampton.
France are in cruise control.
GOAL! France 1-0 England
20:39 , Arthur Ferridge36mins: At long last, France make good on their possession, pressure, and chances. De Almeida cuts out Stanway’s ball and counters at pace - she finds Cascarino, who squarees to Marie Antoinette Katoto, who taps home with ease to open the scoring.
France 0-0 England
20:36 , Arthur Ferridge34mins: France are the stronger team here, but they have been far from clinical. Quite the opposite, in fact. Another corner comes and goes without a shot at goal.
France 0-0 England
20:35 , Arthur Ferridge34mins: Bronze closes down Bacha in the far corner but hands France a corner. England are really on the ropes here - France need to make good on this pressure soon.
France 0-0 England
20:35 , Arthur Ferridge33mins: Another great France cross floats over the England box. It goes long to Baltimore, who sends in a second cross, but misses Cascarino who was well offside.
France 0-0 England
20:3331mins: A brief pause as Russo ties her shoelaces, and we are back underway. England will need a deep breath and a reset if they are to lead again in this half.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:32 , Arthur FerridgeA couple of kids in England shirts, headphones on, eyes glued to their iPad’s just came up on the screen. They looked visibly disinterested. After Alessia Russo’s disallowed goal, France have grown into the contest.
France 0-0 England
20:31 , Arthur Ferridge29mins: Baltimore turns Lucy Bronze inside out and places a lovely cross into the box, but again, there is no Frenchwoman there to challenge Hampton.
France 0-0 England
20:29 , Arthur Ferridge27mins: Looks to be Geyoro who got her head to that cross, but it was a tame effort and caused Hampton little concern.
France 0-0 England
20:28 , Arthur Ferridge26mins: England are under the cosh now - Cascarino works the space in the right half-space and lashes a cross towards the middle, but catches Carter’s hand. Free-kick to Les Blues.
France 0-0 England
20:28 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: Karchaoui gets in behind as England are caught out of shape. She looks to chip Hampton, but just barely misjudges her lofted effort.
France 0-0 England
20:27 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Cascarino finds Karchaoui, and the PSG forward shoots from considerable range. It is an ambitious effort, and would likely have landed in Row Z if it weren’t for the athletics track surrounding the pitch.
France 0-0 England
20:25 , Arthur Ferridge23mins: Russo finds Hemp in a wide area, and she plays a cross behind James. The Chelsea forward looks for a bicycle kick, but rather misjudges it - her effort is well over. Made the best of a bad situation, though.
France 0-0 England
20:24 , Arthur Ferridge22mins: Bronze fouls Bacha. You get the impression that this will be a battle throughout the 90.
France 0-0 England
20:24 , Arthur Ferridge21mins: Bacha lashes one from range and catches Williamson in the midriff. Cascarino then crosses from the right but England defend well, with Bronze shouldering Baltimore away from the loose ball in the box.
France 0-0 England
20:2220mins: Greenwood lofts one in, but it is much too close to goal. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin gratefully collects.
France 0-0 England
20:21 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Jean-Francois makes a clumsy tackle, and it is England’s turn to take a set piece. Mead and Greenwood stand over a free kick on the right flank, about 35 or 40 yards from goal.
GOAL DISALLOWED! France 0-0 England
20:20 , Arthur Ferridge17mins: Russo’s opener is disallowed, and it looks to have been her own offside as Mead’s pass to Hemp passed her by.
That is a massive let-off for France. Wiegman appears, shall we say, exasperated by the decision.
VAR check...
20:19 , Arthur FerridgeWas there an offside in the buildup?
GOAL! France 0-1 England
20:18 , Arthur Ferridge16mins: THE LIONESSES LEAD IN ZURICH!
James drives at goal and picks a sweet pass to Mead, who dishes the ball wide to Hemp. Her shot is parried to Russo, who offers a proper striker’s finish to poke it home and hand England the lead.
France 0-0 England
20:1715mins: Things are settling down a bit now, England look far more comfortable on the ball than they did in the early stages, when they were a little more frenetic.
France 0-0 England
20:15 , Arthur Ferridge12mins: Lakrar finds herself on the left flank and dribbles into a good area, but there is no navy blue top in the area to meet her cross.
France 0-0 England
20:14 , Arthur Ferridge12mins: Mead gets into the area and is caught in a moment of indecision. She doesn’t seem willing to shoot and cannot pick a pass, so ultimately loses possession.
Sam Tabuteau reports
20:13 , Arthur FerridgePlenty of uncertainty clouded England’s preparations to the tournament. But it’s been a really bright start from the Lionesses. Lauren James is a game changer and she’s been running things in the opening stages here.
France 0-0 England
20:1210mins: Mead makes a great run in behind but can’t get to Greenwood’s long ball over. She trips in the area under assistance from Lakrar, but does not appeal for a decision.
France 0-0 England
20:10 , Arthur Ferridge8mins: Hannah Hampton, making her major tournament debut, claims the free kick. There has been no shortage of noise around the goalkeeper position ahead of this tournament after Mary Earps’ acrimonious decision to retire from international duty - she has big gloves to fill.
France 0-0 England
20:10 , Arthur Ferridge7mins: Stanway tackles Karchaoui rather clumsily to hand France a threatening set-piece. She earns a talking to from the ref for her troubles, but cards stay in pocket.
France 0-0 England
20:09 , Arthur Ferridge7mins: Quite an aggressive press from England here. They look to be man-marking in midfield.
France 0-0 England
20:08 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: France chance - the ever lively Baltimore flashes down the left and beats her Chelsea teammate Lucy Bronze to put a cross in, but England deal with it.
France 0-0 England
20:06 , Arthur Ferridge4mins: Greenwood carries the ball north for England and plays James into a dangerous area. Her cross is sumptuous, but passes Alessia Russo by. Hemp was waiting at the back post, but looked as though she expected Russo to get her head to it, and lets it pass her by also.
France 0-0 England
20:05 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: France enjoy their first spell in possession and look snappy, but cannot go anywhere consequential with it. England win it back, but are also stymied in short order.
France 0-0 England
20:03 , Arthur Ferridge1mins: Wow - England go close after just 40 seconds! They win the ball high and Alessia Russo squares it to Lauren James, whose shot from a tight angle flies over the bar. Strong start for the Lionesses.
KICK-OFF! France 0-0 England
20:02 , Arthur FerridgeAfter a moment of silence in memory of late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who passed away in a tragic car accident earlier this week, we are underway at Euro 2025!
England are sporting their traditional white jersey, complete with new-look gradient stripes and navy shorts. France, in keeping with the ‘Les Bleus’ naming convention, are in blue from head to toe.
Players are out...
19:56 , Arthur FerridgeThe players are out on pitch under the setting Switzerland sun.
Time for anthems, and you know what comes next...
Nearly time for kick-off!
Kick off comes next
19:50 , Arthur FerridgeEngland’s Euro 2025 campaign will get underway in just 10 minutes time!
Feeling the nerves yet? Yeah, us neither...
Come on, feel the noise...
19:48 , Arthur FerridgeThe atmosphere is building in Zurich...
Relive the action: England 7-0 Jamaica
19:45 , Arthur FerridgeLast time out, England completed their Euro 2025 preparations with a stunning seven-goal rout of Jamaica...
“England completed their Euro 2025 preparation in emphatic fashion with a devastating 7-0 win over Jamaica at the King Power Stadium.
The Lionesses ripped their Caribbean counterparts to shreds in Leicester, with Ella Toone bagging a brace, Alessia Russo amongst the goals, and Lauren James continuing her return to full fitness.
It was practically a perfect performance from Sarina Wiegman’s side, who played some scintillating stuff at times to lay down a marker ahead of this summer’s Championships, where they have been drawn in a tricky group with France, the Netherlands, and Wales.
However, the manner in which they put the Reggae Girlz to the sword will have forced their opponents in Switzerland to sit up and take notice.”
Alex Greenwood to earn her 100th cap
19:37 , Arthur FerridgeAlex Greenwood will become an England centurion tonight, earning her 100th cap as she starts against France.
The Man City full-back, 31, made her debut way back in 2014, enjoying her first England minutes against Italy.
On what Greenwood offers, Sarina Wiegman said: “She's a leader in the team. She is indeed so experienced for club, for country. She connects the team. We need her experience.”
Sarina Wiegman is raring to go
19:28 , Arthur FerridgeThe England head coach has been impatient to get off the mark! She previews the tie...
On finally getting underway in Switzerland: “We are ready, we are excited. Finally, we can start. We had three weeks of training, and we are really excited to get started.”
On Lauren James returning: “I hope she will perform well. We know she can bring something different. She trained really hard to be here.”
On Jess Carter: “She is a very good left-back. She likes to go forward, knows when to go, when to stay.”
On the opposition: “France are powerful, we know. They are dynamic, powerful, have speed up front.”
Laurent Bonadei previews the tie
19:19 , Arthur FerridgeFrance head coach Laurent Bonadei speaks to ITV ahead of the match.
On dropping Wendie Renard: “It is not easy for a coach to take this decision. She is our greatest player, played some fantastic games for France. I always consider the French team the priority. It is not easy but it is my job.”
Do you fancy your chances tonight? “This England team won the title in 2022 and have a great coach in Sarina. We know we will face a very good team but we have our chance.”
Can France win the Euros? “I hope!”
Group D results
19:10 , Arthur FerridgeWales fall to a three-goal defeat at the hands of the Netherlands.
It came down to a 12-minute flurry, as the Dutch contingent scored just before halftime before extending their lead in the 48th and 57th minutes.
It is a disappointing start to the summer for Wales, and their schedule won’t get any easier as they face England and France in subsequent group stage clashes.
Whether England or France can win by a four-goal margin tonight and unseat the Netherlands from the top spot via goal difference remains to be seen.
Sam Tabuteau reports
19:04Lauren James starts for England for the first time in three months in the only change from the Lionesses’ 7-0 win over Jamaica - that’s a brave move from Wiegman. Ella Toone drops to the bench, providing some much-needed experience alongside the Euro 2022 hero Chloe Kelly.
What to make of Les Bleus
19:02 , Arthur FerridgeIf there is one France player to keep an eye on this evening, it is Sandy Baltimore.
The winger racked up seven goal contributions in 15 WSL appearances for Chelsea last season and starred across other competitions as the Blues strolled to a domestic treble.
Her opposite number Delphine Cascarino is also set to star after impressing for San Diego Wave in the NWSL last season.
What to make of the Lionesses
18:56 , Arthur FerridgeUnsurprisingly, Wiegman has named a strong lineup.
The Arsenal trio of Williamson, Mead, and Russo will serve as a core, while Chelsea’s trio of Hampton, Bronze, and Walsh will form the base of the spine.
Lauren James comes back in for her first start in months.
The highly rated 19-year-old forward Agyemang, who scored on her England debut not so long ago, drops to the bench alongside Aggie Beever-Jones, who scored a hat-trick against Portugal earlier this summer.
France confirmed team news
18:53 , Arthur FerridgeAnd here’s how Les Bleus line up.
France starting XI: Peyraud-Magnin, De Almeida, Lakrar, Sombath, Bacha, Jean-Francois, Geyoro, Karchaoui, Cascarino, Baltimore, Katoto
Subs: Lerond, Picaud Bogaert, N’Dongala, Mbock, Samoura, Toletti, Majri, Diani, Gago, Malard, Mateo
England confirmed team news
18:51 , Arthur FerridgeSarina Wiegman reveals her Lionesses lineup.
England starting XI: Hampton; Bronze, Walsh, Greenwood, Williamson, James, Stanway, Mead, Hemp, Carter, Russo
Subs: Charles, Toone, Le Tissier, Moorhouse, Clinton, Morgan, Agyemang, Kelly, Beever-Jones, Park, Keating, Wubben-Moy
England arrive at the Stadion Letzigrund
18:45 , Arthur FerridgeAnd here comes Sarina Wiegman, looking steely and stoic ahead of a colossal game.
She has never lost a tie at the Euros, mind you. She will have little to no interest in dropping that record today.
France are on location
18:40 , Arthur FerridgeTeam news comes next!
Wales trail Netherlands
18:35 , Arthur FerridgeThe Netherlands are running away with their Euro 2025 opener.
They scored two in quick succession through Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts to take their lead to 3-0 over Wales, and will most likely be atop the group at full-time.
Can England unseat them, though? Stay tuned!
LONG READ: Can Sarina Wiegman's 'new England' retain their Euros crown?
18:26 , Arthur FerridgeEngland are no strangers to creating history under Sarina Wiegman — and this summer they can make some more. For the first time in 55 years, England are heading to a major tournament as the defending champions.
The Lionesses were crowned champions of Europe in 2022 on home soil and now they are aiming to go one better. No England team has ever retained a major international title, but Wiegman believes her players can break new ground.
Women’s football has enjoyed rapid growth since Euro 2022 and that has been evident with the Lionesses. Of the 23 players in Wiegman’s squad for this summer’s tournament in Switzerland, just 13 were among the group who made history three years ago. Nearly a third of them are appearing at a major tournament for the first time and it is why the Lionesses are talking of a “new England”.
Household names, such as goalkeeper Mary Earps, are gone and the next generation can become heroes. “This is a new England,” says midfielder Georgia Stanway. “We’re hungry for it. We know what it’s like to win it, and we would like to taste that again.”
SIMON COLLINGS BREAKS DOWN ENGLAND'S EURO 2025 CHANCES HERE
No nerves for Leah Williamson?
18:17 , Arthur FerridgeLeah Williamson is feeling more excited than nervous ahead of tonight’s tie.
She said ahead of the match: "I've probably held some anxiety, I suppose, up until this moment," said Williamson, when asked if missing the World Cup and her recovery had given her a new appreciation for this opportunity.
"Just because I wanted to be here and I wanted to be with the team, I wanted to be here with the team, I wanted to experience another tournament for England, and being away from home is special.
"When you come to another country to represent your country and just take everything in. It's a bit different to England in 2022, so I'm just taking everything in. I'm very excited. Obviously so much has changed, so I'm intrigued to come back and enjoy that tournament football."
Standard Sport's prediction
18:08 , Arthur FerridgeThe Lionesses have been on wobbly form of late, and will have little room for error tonight against France.
Les Bleus are on a streak of nine wins in ten, the only loss coming at the hands of Euros favourites Spain.
Wiegman’s side, newly without leading figures in Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, and Mary Earps, will have their work cut out for them. It is a problem, though, which France share.
These are, in theory, two evenly matched sides - it will be a match decided by fine margins.
A win today would mark a significant statement of intent ahead of the rest of the tournament, regardless of who comes out on top.
France to win, 2-1
France early team news
17:59 , Arthur FerridgeThere was one notable exclusion from the France squad this summer as veteran defender and captain Wendie Renard was left behind.
Also left out are eight-time Champions League winner and France top goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer and veteran midfielder Kenza Dali.
France are chasing their first major title, and today’s tie will serve as a litmus test to see whether they can hack a European Championship without their usual stalwarts.
More on Miedema
17:57 , Arthur FerridgeFor the record, Miedema’s goal was a corker. See below...
It was also her hundredth for the Netherlands. Not a bad way to hit your century.
Vivianne Miedema! 💯
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 5, 2025
That's her 100th goal for her country.
Right on the stroke of half-time. #WEuro2025 #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/pxN5oDiOFk
Around the grounds
17:52 , Arthur FerridgeElsewhere in Group D, Wales and the Netherlands are playing their first Euros match.
And the Dutch have snatched a narrow one-goal lead moments before halftime, scoring from range through a fantastic effort from Vivianne Miedema with just seconds remaining in the half.
Wales had held their own to that point, but, as all the top pundits will tell you, there is no worse time to concede than that.
Lionesses early team news
17:52 , Arthur FerridgeSarine Wiegman hinted that Lauren James could come back into the starting XI today. She played half an hour against Jamaica in her first appearance since missing the end of the domestic season with a hamstring injury.
Asked if James was fit to start, Wiegman replied: "We're not going to give you the line-up, but she played 30 minutes last week, so she can play more than that. I think that will say enough."
Hannah Hampton is expected to start between the sticks after Mary Earps’ controversial decision to retire from international duty ahead of the tournament.
There is a decision to be made up top, though, as Wiegman must decide between the youngster Aggie Beever-Jones and the more experienced Alessia Russo.
How to watch France vs England
17:45 , Arthur FerridgeTV channel: TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live, for free, on ITV. Coverage starts at 7pm BST on ITV1 ahead of an 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: ITVX will offer a live stream service, which is free with a sign-up.
But of course, you can follow all the action right here with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog, complete with minute-by-minute updates, analysis from Sam Tabuteau, plus all the live reaction at full time.
What time is kick off?
17:37 , Arthur FerridgeTonight’s action will get underway at 8pm BST.
The match will be held at the 26,000 capacity Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich.
Good afternoon
17:27 , Arthur FerridgeHello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of England’s opening Euro 2025 clash, where they will face France in Zurich.
England are, of course, the reigning champions - will football come home again, or will supporters be made to wait to see more silverware?
Follow along right here for minute-by-minute updates, live analysis from Sam Tabuteau, and team news as soon as it drops.
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
