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

England’s defence of their European Championship crown got off to a difficult start as France claimed a 2-1 win in Zurich.England created the first chance in the opening minute, but Lauren James

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.

How to watch Women's Euro 2025 for free. Live stream France vs. England in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world.

Follow live reaction to England’s morale-boosting 4-0 victory over the Netherlands, with Lauren James scoring twice

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.

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.

Both teams face each other in the clash of the home nations in their final group match on Sunday in St Gallen. Find out what England and Wales need to qualify for the knockout stages here.

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.