England women will aim to make it back-to-back European Championship titles when they open their 2025 campaign against France in Switzerland this evening (Saturday). Sarina Wiegman’s side won their first-ever major trophy on home soil three years ago, beating Germany in the final at a packed-out Wembley.

Lauren James, who was a major doubt ahead of Sarina Wiegman’s squad selection, played her first match since April when she came on as a 63rd minute substitute in Sunday’s pre-tournament friendly — a 7-0 thrashing of Jamaica. And Wiegman said James could even start when the Lionesses kick off their title defense against France on Saturday in Zurich.

England begin their European Championships title defence against France on Saturday and their opponents have been sweating on the fitness of a key player before the game