France vs England prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 5 July 2025
France
England
The opening round of the UEFA Women's European Championship group stage features a blockbuster clash between France and England. The match will take place in Zurich on Saturday, July 5, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. I'm backing a bet on goals in this encounter.
Match preview
The French women's national team has shown steady progress in recent years. The squad has gained tactical maturity and confidence, arriving at this tournament as one of the favorites.
Les Bleues rely on positional attacks and ball control. However, their defense can falter at times against top-tier opponents. Facing England will be tough, but France is more than capable of making it a battle.
Interestingly, France has never achieved major success at big international tournaments and has never played in a final. Their best result was reaching the semifinals at the previous European Championship.
In the lead-up to Euro 2025, France defeated Switzerland and Iceland, once again making it to the UEFA Nations League semifinals. In subsequent friendlies, they notched wins over Belgium and Brazil, underscoring the fine form of Les Bleues.
The reigning European champions and 2023 World Cup finalists, under Sarina Wiegman's leadership, remain a formidable force. England continues to prioritize attacking football, combining well in midfield and utilizing width through the flanks.
England boasts a powerful attacking trio — Toone, Hemp, Russo — and a cohesive defense, but the departure of key veterans has exposed some depth issues. This was evident in the UEFA Nations League, where the Lionesses finished second in their group, trailing Spain.
Still, England's squad is stacked with talent and has every chance to fight for the title. Many current players already have European Championship-winning experience, making them clear contenders for the podium.
The group stage won't be a walkover, but both the Netherlands and Wales are noticeably outclassed by the English in terms of quality and skill. It's also worth noting that ahead of the final tournament, England thrashed Jamaica 7-0.
Match facts
- France has won their last eight matches.
- Les Bleues have conceded in only one of their previous six games.
- England has lost two of their last four matches.
- France averages 3.2 goals per game, while England averages 4.2.
Probable lineups
- France: Peyraud, Bacha, Lakrar, Samoura, De Almeida, Toletti, Karchaoui, Geyoro, Diani, Baltimore, Mateo.
- England: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Walsh, Stanway, Hemp, Toone, Mead, Russo.
H2H
In the last four head-to-head meetings between these teams, both sides have always found the net.
Prediction
Given the attacking firepower on both sides and the importance of the opening game, expect an open, entertaining contest. France are in fantastic form, and England always play to win, making them favorites in almost any matchup. Bookmakers see England as slight favorites, but aren't convinced there will be a goal fest. I expect a lively clash and will bet on the total goals to be over 2.
