England WomenEngland Womenvs.France WomenFrance Women

Having won their first two matches, France currently occupy pole position in Group A3, while the Lionesses are two points adrift in second place.

Match preview

England must negotiate a new-look qualifying format to have the opportunity to defend their European Championship trophy in Switzerland next summer.

The Lionesses began their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sweden at Wembley, before they saw off the Republic of Ireland after making a fast start at the Aviva Stadium.

Lauren James and Alex Greenwood both grabbed a goal apiece in the opening 20 minutes to clinch a 2-0 victory which leaves England in second place and three points above Sweden in third position.

England boss Sarina Wiegman will be pleased with the fact her side have put together a six-game unbeaten run since suffering their most recent defeat to Belgium in October's UEFA Nations League contest.

Having found the net in each of their last 10 matches, the Lionesses will still fancy their chances of breaking down a France side that has recorded back-to-back clean sheets.

France will travel to St James' Park in a confident mood after beginning their campaign with consecutive 1-0 victories.

Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored the device goal in France's opening game against Ireland, before Wendie Renard's 80th-minute effort proved to be enough to claim all three points in Sweden.

Les Bleues are already looking well set to reach an eighth consecutive European Championship, but they cannot afford to rest on their laurels ahead of back-to-back games against England.

After losing just one of their last 15 games in regulation time, Herve Renard's side will believe they have what it takes to collect at least a point from Friday's contest.

They will also have fond memories of their most recent meeting with England in April 2021 whens goals from Sandy Baltimore, Vivianne Asseyi and Katoto fired them to a 3-1 friendly victory.

England Women Women's European Championship qualifying form:

England Women form (all competitions):

France Women Women's European Championship qualifying form:

France Women form (all competitions):

D

W

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W

L

Team News

England were unable to call upon Chelsea full-back Niamh Charles and Arsenal central defender Lotte Wubben-Moy due to their respective injury issues.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps is poised to get the nod over Khiara Keating and Hannah Hampton to make her 50th appearance for her country.

Millie Bright is set to line up in central defence after returning from a length injury layoff to start Chelsea's final four matches of the season.

There should also be starting spots for Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh, who recently achieved Champions League glory with Barcelona.

As for France, Lyon forward Vicki Becho will serve a one-match suspension after being sent off in April's win over Sweden.

The visitors are also without their all-time record goalscorer Eugenie Le Sommer, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

With Le Sommer unavailable, Paris Saint-Germain forward Katoto is expected to be given the responsibility of leading the line for her country.

England Women possible starting lineup:

Earps; Bronze, Williams, Bright, Greenwood; Stanway, Walsh; James, Toone, Hemp; Russo

France Women possible starting lineup:

Peyraud-Magnin; Lakrar, Mbock, Renard, Bacha; Dali, Geyoro, Toletti; Diani, Cascarino, Katoto

We say: England Women 1-1 France Women

England will be desperate to claim a win that would move them to the top of the group, but we think they may have to settle for a draw against a France side that has proven to be a tough team to beat in recent times.

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