England start the defence of their Women's European Championship crown with a tough test against France in Zurich on Saturday.
If 2022 winners England are going to successfully defend their European Championship crown this summer they are going to have to do it the hard way.
The Lionesses will be without key members from three years ago such as Mary Earps, Millie Bright and Fran Kirby in Switzerland and, to make matters worse, they have been drawn into the group of death.
Netherlands and neighbours Wales will not go down lightly, but their biggest group-stage test comes via Saturday’s opener against France in Zurich.
Les Bleues are, like England, one of the tournament favourites and will also be eager to start strongly. However, the Lionesses have overcome the odds before and the reigning champions may begin with a roar at Letzigrund.
France Women v England Women Tips
England to win @ 5/4
Alessia Russo to score anytime @ 11/5
Sakina Karchaoui to have 1+ shots @ 9/20
Pays out at 10/1
Lionesses likely to make a perfect start
England may have lost some key figures in the build-up to this tournament, but they still boast an extremely strong squad – boosted by the return to fitness of Georgia Stanway and Lauren James – and a manager who has won all of her 12 European Championship matches.
Sarina Wiegman led the Netherlands to glory prior to her 2022 triumph with the Lionesses and her cool manner means any off-field noise will not have been allowed to affect the focus of her side.
France look set to provide a stern test following an eight-game winning streak, but the WSL remains the strongest women’s league in the world.
Thirteen players remain from the 2022-winning side and exciting youngsters Angie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang will provide an X-Factor which may be required from the bench.
Les Bleues are also missing key players as former captain Wendie Renard and all-time top scorer Eugenie le Sommer were omitted from the squad and they may find a clash with the champions too tricky a test to overcome.
Leg 1: England to win @ 5/4
Russo ready to shine in Zurich
England’s all-time top-scorer Ellen White led the line three years ago, yet it was the striker who replaced her in every game who really stole the show.
Alessia Russo, of course, was that player. The then Manchester United forward netted four times in six substitute appearances to help lead the Lionesses to a maiden Euros crown and she should shine again now that a starting spot is hers.
Russo has enjoyed two consecutive 12-goal WSL seasons since joining Arsenal and netted seven crucial goals during her club side’s triumphant 2024-25 Champions League campaign.
Her physicality makes her a nightmare for defenders. Renard, a 6’2” warrior, would have helped combat Russo, but her absence makes the Arsenal forward the standout scorer pick in Zurich.
Leg 2: Alessia Russo to score anytime @ 11/5
Karchaoui can continue to thrive in new role
It won’t be one-way traffic in Zurich and France should find some joy of their own at Letzigrund. Marie-Antoinette Katoto is their most obvious threat, but there may be more value in backing one of their midfielders to impact proceedings instead.
Sakina Karchaoui started the season as a left-back, but has slowly transitioned into a midfielder. She took three shots in six Champions League appearances as a full-back and has shown even more attacking intent since moving further up the pitch.
The PSG star registered 17 shots in her final eight matches of the season and scored in France’s 5-0 rout of Belgium last month.
Back her to have an attempt against England, whose midfield is anything but defensive.
Leg 3: Sakina Karchaoui to have 1+ shots @ 9/20
