The excitement is steadily building as England’s Lionesses gear up for a high-stakes opener against France in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament. The highly anticipated Group D match is scheduled to take place on Saturday evening, promising fans a showcase of elite European football as two of the continent’s powerhouses face off in Zurich.
England head into Euro 2025 with memories still fresh of their iconic triumph on home turf three years ago. That landmark victory ended a decades-long wait for a major international football trophy, with the Lionesses capturing the nation’s imagination and inspiring the next generation. The challenge now for head coach Sarina Wiegman and her team is to repeat that success, starting with a victory over a French side that narrowly topped England’s qualifying group.
The Lionesses’ preparations for the tournament have been overshadowed by significant squad changes. Notably, goalkeeper Mary Earps has retired from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious England career. In her absence, Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton is expected to step into the No. 1 shirt, with many fans eager to see how she copes under the tournament spotlight. There have also been injury concerns, most prominently the withdrawal of defensive stalwart Millie Bright, which forces further adjustments at the back.
Despite these changes, England arrive in Switzerland with a reputation as one of the tournament favourites and a wealth of young attacking talent. Players such as Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, and rising star Michelle Agyemang are tipped to play pivotal roles as Wiegman looks to build on the squad’s recent successes. England fans may take further comfort from a favourable statistic: no reigning European champion has ever lost their opening match at the subsequent tournament, and the Lionesses have recorded three wins in their last six meetings with France.
However, the French team pose a daunting challenge. France have avoided defeat in the opening game of their last nine major tournaments, illustrating their pedigree on the big stage. Their squad features world-class talents, such as Griedge Mbock Bathy, Amel Majri, and Kadidiatou Diani, all of whom will require close attention from England’s defenders. France report no injury concerns ahead of the clash, giving manager Hervé Renard a full complement of players to select from.
For viewers eager to catch the action back at home, there is good news: the match will be broadcast live and free on ITV1 and ITVX, with coverage beginning from 7pm for the 8pm UK kick-off. As part of a major commitment to women’s football, all matches throughout the tournament will be available on both the BBC and ITV networks, with streaming also accessible via BBC iPlayer and ITVX. ITV’s coverage will feature presenters Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal, alongside a host of expert pundits, including Karen Carney and Emma Hayes, providing in-depth analysis.
Team selection remains a key talking point in the lead-up to Saturday’s encounter. While Lauren James and Ruby Mace continue their rehabilitation in hopes of securing spots in the starting line-up, new faces like Aggie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang could also be given an opportunity to impress. France, meanwhile, enjoy the luxury of a fully fit squad, further underlining the scale of England’s task.
Adding to the spectacle is the broader context of the group, with England also facing the Netherlands and a Welsh team making their debut appearance at a major tournament. The Lionesses’ ability to navigate this challenging group will be vital if they are to rebound from their World Cup final defeat to Spain two years ago and mount a serious challenge for European glory once again.
As England prepare to take to the pitch in Zurich’s Stadion Letzigrund, fans and neutrals alike will be watching closely. For supporters unable to travel, comprehensive free-to-air television and streaming coverage stands as a testament to the rising stature of women’s football, ensuring no one misses out on this enthralling encounter.
Whether the Lionesses can maintain their status as European champions remains to be seen, but the opening clash with France offers the perfect stage to signal their intent. For now, anticipation mounts as the Lionesses aim to begin their Euro 2025 campaign with a clear statement of purpose.