England v France live: Team news ahead of Euro 2025 opener as Lionesses face Lauren James decision

England may be the defending European champions, but this very much isn’t a squad hoping that old approaches – or that reputation – carry them through. Sarina Wiegman was unequivocal on the eve of her team’s Euro 2025 opener against a dangerous France team.

“We call it a new England,” the manager said.

This intent obviously explains a lot of the ructions in the build-up to this tournament, since transition rarely comes without friction. It’s also just as well, as England do actually need something new.

They need to immediately find their feet and actually start a tournament well.

The match takes place on Saturday 5 July, with kick-off at 8pm BST (UK time) in Zurich.

England v France will be shown on ITV 1 and ITV X, with coverage getting underway from 7pm.

Lauren James made her return from injury in England’s 7-0 win over Jamaica on Sunday, playing the final half hour in the send-off friendly. Sarina Wiegman said the Chelsea star “can play more than that” against France.

“I’m not going to give you the line-up, but she played 30 minutes last week, so she can play more than that, so I think that will say enough,” Wiegman said, perhaps suggesting that James will start England’s opener in place of Ella Toone.

Wiegman’s other selection decisions comes at left back but Jess Carter impressed in the win over Jamaica, so may have done enough to keep her place.

Euros winners Mary Earps and Fran Kirby announced their retirements before the Euros, while vice-captain Millie Bright made herself unavailable for selection and subsequently underwent knee surgery, so is missing from the tournament.

Possible England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Stanway; Mead, James, Hemp; Russo

Holders England kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against France in a heavyweight Group D clash in Zurich this evening.

In one of the matches of the whole group stage, the Lionesses begin their quest to retain European Championship title against a dangerous Les Bleues side packed with attacking talent.

And with the Netherlands and Wales completing the “group of death”, the pressure will be on both England and France from the start as they look to safely progress to the quarter-finals.

Sarina Wiegman’s side won the Euros three years ago before reaching the World Cup final in 2023, and have set themselves the challenge of defending their European crown this month.