The defending champions begin their Euro 2025 campaign against fellow-heavyweights France in a blockbuster Group D clash. Both sides' lead-up to the tournament has been far from smooth. England were rocked by the double-blow of Mary Earps' retirement and Millie Bright's decision to pull out of selection.

England's bid to retain their European crown began on the back foot, suffering a 2-1 loss to France in a heavyweight group-stage encounter in Zurich.Coming into the match, all eyes were on Sarina

The marquee matchup, which France won 2-1, drew 690,000 viewers, a 329% spike from the previous group stage average.

ZURICH (AP) — England has never lost its first two matches at the Women’s European Championship. If that changes on Wednesday, the defending champion could very well be out of Euro 2025.

Lauren Hemp has vowed England won’t be complacent against Wales and said the Lionesses are treating the Euro 2025 clash as a “derby” as the holders look to advance to the quarter-finals.

France vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 5. This fixture takes place at Letzigrund. France vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

England 's 4-0 win over Netherlands on Wednesday can be filed under statement performance. Sarina Wiegman's side went into the game at risk of a premature elimination from Euro 2025 but came out of it with their reputation as pre-tournament favourites enhanced. A win against Wales will secure passage to quarterfinals.

Fortunately Saturday’s defeat to France meant that England were guaranteed to be on the upward trajectory by Wednesday night. They comprehensively defeated the Netherlands 4-0 in Zurich to make sure they were masters of their own Euro 2025 fate.