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England will press on with their Euro 2025 qualifying push when they collide with France at St James’ Park on Friday evening.
The first of a double header against France, England’s schedule appears to be rather punishing.
The reigning European champions announced their squad recently which saw Mille Bright return for the first time this year after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while Aggie Beever-Jones got a call-up after an impressive season with Chelsea.
So far, England’s qualifying campaign has seen them pick up four points from a maximum of six, albeit they were bit a leggy at times against Sweden, but France will provide a stern test.
Ranked third in the world, France finished runners-up in the Nations League after falling to a 2-0 defeat against Spain in the Final, and they are likely to be in the mix should they punch their ticket to the Euros.
But how will things unfold? I have waltzed over to the betting markets and plucked out a couple of tips for your perusal.
England to make a statement of intent
Widely dubbed as the ‘Group of Death’, England made a decent start to their Euro qualifying campaign with a win and draw from their first two games against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland respectively.
Naturally, a double header against Nations League finalists France should be treated with caution, but Sarina Wiegman will no doubt have done her homework.
While Rachel Daly, who won Euro 2022, announced her retirement last month, Lucy Bronze recently picked up a Champions League winner’s medal after Barcelona prevailed against Lyon, claiming back-to-back titles in the process.
There has also been a reshuffling of the squad with Maya Le Tissier coming in for the injured Niamh Charles, and we could be in for a fascinating contest.
It could well be a fascinating clash with France, and one that will feature a few goals.
Anyway, for my first pick, I’m going with England to pick up all three points, and they are trading at a short 11/10 to do so with bet365.
Alessia Russo to provide the platform for victory
England boast plenty of attacking threat, and in Alessia Russo, they have a player who can weave magic and make a difference.
Although England switched off against Sweden, it was still a night to remember for Russo, who netted her first goal in international colours at Wembley when she headed the Lionesses in front.
Russo, of course, was an integral part of the team that won Euro 2022, and she will be a focal point against France.
She always gets fans off their seats, and to round things off, I’m going with Russo at 13/2 with bet365 to break the deadlock.