England v France: Euro 2025 qualifying – live

Lucy Bronze became the first English player to win five Champions League titles last weekend. FIVE!

Is she the greatest Lioness of all-time? Let me know what you think!

Lionesses captain Leah Williamson admits she is “looking forward” to the challenge of playing for her spot in Sarina Wiegman’s competitive starting line-up. She said: “It’s the first time that, obviously, me and Millie have been back in the squad together for a long time, so it’s been nice in that regard.

“I think we’ve got a really strong unit - I mentioned coming back into the squad about how well they’ve performed and how they’ve raised the level, so it’s good to be back. It’s a competitive unit to try to get into. I’ll look forward to the challenge, I think, as everybody does.

Tonight will be Sarina Wiegman’s 50th game in charge of England. It is also Arjan Veurink’s 50th game with the Lionesses and Mary Earps’ 50th senior international cap. Hopefully a night to remember for all three!

Niamh Charles was replaced by Maya Le Tissier in Sarina Wiegman’s core squad this week. The defender remains with Chelsea to manage a calf injury. Goalkeeper Kayla Rendell, who was on the standby list, has also withdrawn due to an ankle injury. She has been replaced by Birmingham’s Lucy Thomas. Lauren James became the latest player to leave the camp on Thursday. The forward is currently managing a foot injury and has been replaced by Jessica Naz.

England starting XI: Mary Earps; Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Jess Carter; Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone; Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead. Substitutes: Alex Greenwood, Hannah Hampton, Fran Kirby, Jessica Naz, Chloe Kelly, Aggie Beever-Jones, Grace Clinton, Maya Le Tissier, Jess Park, Khiara Keating, Esme Morgan, Millie Turner.

France starting XI: Pauline Peyraud-Magnin; Élisa De Almeida, Maëlle Lakrar, Wendie Renard, Selma Bacha; Sandie Toletti, Sakina Karchaoui, Kenza Dali; Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Delphine Cascarino. Substitutes: Solène Durand, Constance Picaud, Ève Périsset, Estelle Cascarino, Thiniba Samoura, Grace Geyoro, Amandine Henry, Léa Le Garrec, Sandy Baltimore, Inès Benyahia, Julie Dufour, Louna Ribadeira.

Hello, good evening and welcome to coverage of England’s Euro 2025 qualifier against France. Two European giants go head-to-head tonight with the hope of taking a huge step towards next summer’s tournament. France currently lead Group A3 with a maximum six points. The Lionesses sit second with four points having defeated the Republic of Ireland and drawn with Sweden. These two sides meet twice in the next five days, so we’re in for a thrilling week.

For now, all eyes are on tonight’s match at St James’ Park. Kick-off is at 8pm BST - I’ll be with you all evening!