Lionesses face blockbuster Euro opener against France

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.

- MIGUEL DELANEY IN ZURICH

“We call it a new England,” the manager said. This intent obviously explains a lot of the ructions in the buildup 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. That isn’t something they have done under Wiegman in her two campaigns so far. The 2023 World Cup run to the final started with a mere 1-0 win over Haiti, secured by a Georgia Stanway penalty. It was the same scoreline even at the beginning of the glorious Euro 2022 campaign, the euphoria of its ending contrasting with an opening 1-0 win over Austria at Old Trafford.

A repeat of those performances against France could put England in a tricky position. While it would be a bit much to say this first match is a knockout of sorts, it could well dictate both teams’ entire campaigns. Much of that is because it’s so rare for two favourites to play each other so early, and without that much of a safety net.

If there’s a winner, that team will glean badly needed confidence and momentum, and look set to top the group. If there’s a loser, there will suddenly be immense pressure for their awkward fixture against the Netherlands. England have the Dutch up next in their second game.

Even a draw suddenly makes the group so much more taut, depending on what the performance is like. If it’s a stirring and high-quality 2-2 where both teams show their high ceilings, that’s rather different. That’s instead a statement, and a vintage tournament game. It’s also highly possible.