The final quarter-final of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 sees Laurent Bonadei’s France clash with last tournament’s finalists, Germany.
France have been in fine goalscoring form so far in this tournament, recording 11 goals in the group stage, a feat that could only be topped by Spain.
They also achieved a perfect record during the group stage, winning all three of their matches, including their clash against reigning champions England.
Despite qualifying for the knockout rounds, Germany have looked far from their best in the group stage of the tournament. They’ve picked up two relatively unconvincing victories against Denmark and Poland, respectively, before enduring a humbling 4-1 loss to Sweden on matchday three.
With only five goals scored up to this point, the Germans will certainly need to be clinical against what will be their toughest opposition yet.
The two sides met in the semi-finals of the previous edition of the competition when Germany claimed victory, but with France being in better form ahead of this one, they seem to be favourites to progress to the final four.
France:
There are no fresh injury issues for Bonadei to ponder over during his team selection, so a relatively similar lineup to the one that overcame the Netherlands in their previous match is expected.
The usual front three of Delphine Cascarino, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore can be expected, as the trio have given defences torrid times in this tournament.
Sandie Toletti will likely operate in midfield with Grace Geyoro and Sakina Karchaoui on either side of her.
Griedge Mbock may continue to partner with Alice Sombath in defence. However, with Maelle Lakrar looking set to be fit, Bonadei may opt to change his backline.
Selma Bacha and Élisa de Almeida look set to occupy the wider roles in the French backline.
Germany:
Christian Wueck will be without the services of full-back Carlotta Wamser against France after being sent off in her previous match for a handball offence. Kathrin Hendrich is an option to be selected in the place of the 21-year-old, whilst Sarai Linder continues on the left side of the defence.
Centrally, Rebecca Knaak and Janina Minge will likely continue as Wueck would likely want to make minimal changes to his defence ahead of a test as tough as this one.
Elisa Senß and Sjoeke Nüsken are set to fill the midfield roles once again, behind Klara Bühl, Linda Dallmann and Jule Brand, who has been Germany’s standout so far.
Lea Schüller is once again expected to occupy the striker role as she looks to add to her two-goal tally so far this tournament.
France:
Peyraud-Magnin; De Almeida, Mbock, Sombath, Bacha; Geyoro, Toletti, Karchaoui; Cascarino, Katoto, Baltimore
Germany:
Berger; Hendrich, Minge, Knaak, Linder; Senß, Nüsken; Brand, Dallmann, Bühl; Schüller
France – Delphine Cascarino
Arguably the player of the tournament up to this point, it would be a significant surprise if Delphine Cascarino does not have an impact against Germany.
With two assists and two goals to her name so far, the winger has proved that she can both create a threat alongside contribute to the scoreline herself.
A dribble success rate of 80% across this tournament also shows her ability to carry the ball forward, making her side so devastating on the counterattack.
Germany, who have looked underwhelming to this point, will need to nullify the threat of Cascarino if they want to keep the French at bay.
Germany – Jule Brand
The 22-year-old has been a bright spark in an otherwise dull campaign for Germany as she scored the solitary goal in the defeat to Sweden.
With four goal involvements so far this tournament, Brand could prove the difference-maker in this match if Germany wanted to cause an upset against the French.
With so much ability at such a young age, Brand certainly has the capability to cause problems to France’s defence.
Where is the match being played?
This match is being contested at St. Jakobs-Park
What time is kick-off?
The match commences at 20:00 BST
How can I watch?
The match will be shown on ITV1/ITVx