Watch France vs England for free as Lionesses begin defence at Euro 2025
England coach Sarina Wiegman is now looking to repeat the feat three years on. However, she will have to rally her team to overcome the side that pipped them to top spot in their qualifying group.
The Lionesses are in something of a transitional state after losing vital players like Mary Earps, who has retired from international football, and Millie Bright, who has pulled out of the competition.
However, Chelsea's Hannah Hampton is set to step up between the sticks while Alessia Russo, Ella Toone and Michelle Agyemang are expected to make their mark, as the team have been playing their way into form ahead of the tournament.
The omens are good for England. No reigning champion has ever lost their first game at the next tournament and they've won three of their last six matches against France in all competitions. However, this will be a stern test with their opponents having not lost their opening game at any of their last nine major tournaments.
The Lionesses have been drawn into a daunting group and will also have to face the Netherlands and Wales. Wiegman will need her team to be firing on all cylinders as they look to bounce back at a major tournament after losing the World Cup final to Spain two years ago.
The Group D encounter will get underway on Saturday, July 5, with kick-off set for 8pm UK time. The fixture will take place at the Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland.
You can watch the game live and for free on ITV1 or on ITVX, with the build-up starting from 7pm. Every game from the competition will be broadcast on either BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1 or ITV4.
You can also stream all the action live on either the BBC iPlayer or ITVX. ITV's coverage will be led by Laura Woods and Seema Jaswal and they will be joined by Karen Carney, Emma Hayes, Vicky Losada, Laura Georges, Jayne Ludlow, Eni Aluko and Caroline Weir on punditry duties.
Wiegman has a lot to consider ahead of her side's opener. Lauren James and Ruby Mace are rushing back to full fitness with hopes of staking a claim in the starting XI. Aggie Beever-Jones, Agyemang and Toone are all set to feature.
France do not have any reported injury concerns and look to have a fully fit squad to choose from. England will have to be wary of names such as Griedge Mbock Bathy, Amel Majri and Kadidiatou Diani.
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