England begin the defence of their Girls’s European Championship crown with a troublesome check in opposition to France in Zurich on Saturday.
If 2022 winners England are going to efficiently defend their European Championship crown this summer time they’ll should do it the onerous method.
The Lionesses will probably be with out key members from three years in the past akin to Mary Earps, Millie Vivid and Fran Kirby in Switzerland and, to make issues worse, they’ve been drawn into the group of dying.
Netherlands and neighbours Wales won’t go down frivolously, however their largest group-stage check comes through Saturday’s opener in opposition to France in Zurich.
Les Bleues are, like England, one of many event favourites and also will be keen to start out strongly. Nevertheless, the Lionesses have overcome the chances earlier than and the reigning champions could start with a roar at Letzigrund.
France Girls v England Girls Ideas
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England to win @ 5/4
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Alessia Russo to attain anytime @ 11/5
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Sakina Karchaoui to have 1+ photographs @ 9/20
Pays out at 10/1
Lionesses more likely to make an ideal begin
England could have misplaced some key figures within the build-up to this event, however they nonetheless boast an especially robust squad – boosted by the return to health of Georgia Stanway and Lauren James – and a supervisor who has gained all of her 12 European Championship matches.
Sarina Wiegman led the Netherlands to glory previous to her 2022 triumph with the Lionesses and her cool method means any off-field noise won’t have been allowed to have an effect on the main focus of her aspect.
France look set to supply a stern check following an eight-game successful streak, however the WSL stays the strongest ladies’s league on the planet.
13 gamers stay from the 2022-winning aspect and thrilling kids Angie Beever-Jones and Michelle Agyemang will present an X-Issue which can be required from the bench.
Les Bleues are additionally lacking key gamers as former captain Wendie Renard and all-time prime scorer Eugenie le Sommer have been omitted from the squad they usually could discover a conflict with the champions too tough a check to beat.
Leg 1: England to win @ 5/4
Russo able to shine in Zurich
England’s all-time top-scorer Ellen White led the road three years in the past, but it was the striker who changed her in each sport who actually stole the present.
Alessia Russo, in fact, was that participant. The then Manchester United ahead netted 4 instances in six substitute appearances to assist lead the Lionesses to a maiden Euros crown and she or he ought to shine once more now {that a} beginning spot is hers.
Russo has loved two consecutive 12-goal WSL seasons since becoming a member of Arsenal and netted seven essential objectives throughout her membership aspect’s triumphant 2024-25 Champions League marketing campaign.
Her physicality makes her a nightmare for defenders. Renard, a 6’2” warrior, would have helped fight Russo, however her absence makes the Arsenal ahead the standout scorer choose in Zurich.
Leg 2: Alessia Russo to attain anytime @ 11/5
Karchaoui can proceed to thrive in new position
It gained’t be one-way visitors in Zurich and France ought to discover some pleasure of their very own at Letzigrund. Marie-Antoinette Katoto is their most blatant risk, however there could also be extra worth in backing one among their midfielders to affect proceedings as an alternative.
Sakina Karchaoui began the season as a left-back, however has slowly transitioned right into a midfielder. She took three photographs in six Champions League appearances as a full-back and has proven much more attacking intent since shifting additional up the pitch.
The PSG star registered 17 photographs in her closing eight matches of the season and scored in France’s 5-0 rout of Belgium final month.
Again her to have an try in opposition to England, whose midfield is something however defensive.
Leg 3: Sakina Karchaoui to have 1+ photographs @ 9/20