England take on Group A3 leaders France at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park tonight, as Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses try to take charge of their Women’s Euros 2025 qualifying campaign.
An opening 1-1 draw with Sweden was not in the script, but England bounced back with a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, and victory tonight would send them to the top of the group, above tonight’s opponents France, who recorded 1-0 wins over both the Irish and the Swedes, and would relish the chance to continue their 100 per cent record against the reigning European champions.
Lauren James has been ruled out of the game while Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy have both withdrawn from the squad due to injury.
Follow all the action from England v France in Euro 2025 qualifying below:
England vs France latest odds and predicted line-ups
Here’s how we see the two teams linig up tonight:
England XI: Earps; Bronze, Williams, Bright, Greenwood; Stanway, Walsh; Kelly, Toone, Hemp; Russo.
France XI: Peyraud-Magnin; Lakrar, Mbock, Renard, Bacha; Dali, Geyoro, Toletti; Diani, Cascarino, Katoto.
And here are the latest odds for the game:
Mike Jones31 May 2024 18:10
England vs France team news
Sarina Wiegman has suffered a blow with Lauren James ruled out of both this and Tuesday’s game, while Niamh Charles and Lotte Wubben-Moy have been forced to withdraw from England’s squad with calf and foot injuries respectively. Maya Le Tissier has been called up to provide defensive cover.
Eugenie Le Sommer is absent for France due to injury, while Vicki Becho will serve a suspension having been dismissed in stoppage time of the win over Sweden.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 18:05
How to watch England vs France
England vs France is due to kick off at 8pm BST on Friday 31 May at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on ITV4, with coverage on the channel from 7.15pm. A live stream will be available via ITVX.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 18:00
Good evening!
Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers. England are taking on France at St. James’ Park in Group A3.
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses are currently second in the table following a 1-1 draw with Sweden and a 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.
France are unbeaten in the group having won both of their matches so far. They top the group but the next two matches could determine which side has a firm grip on first place.
England play consecutive matches versus Les Bleus and will open up a four point lead on their opponents if they win both of them.
We’ll have all the team news, updates and more throughout the night so stick around as we build up to kick off at 8pm.
Mike Jones31 May 2024 16:00