England will be facing another Six Nations rival this weekend as they battle France for a place in the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
The Red Roses put on an incredibly strong performance against Scotland last weekend, coming away with a 40 - 8 victory to bring their winning streak to 31 consecutive matches.
France had to fight a bit harder to make it through the semifinals, as they trailed behind Ireland for the first 60 minutes of their game, before managing to turn it around and emerge with an 18 - 13 win.
Les Bleues will be the highest ranked team that the Red Roses have faced thus far in the tournament, and the rivalry runs deep between the Channel neighbours. England have beaten France in their last five encounters, most recently in a World Cup warm-up match at the beginning of August.
However, in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations this year, they barely scraped a victory 43 - 42, the closest that they have come to endangering their winning streak, meaning that France will be aware that it is possible to exploit the Red Roses cracks and weaknesses.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
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England vs. France starting XV, team news.
England will be gearing up for their toughest match yet in the World Cup, as their old rivals France are the highest ranked team that they have faced yet.
However, their confidence will be bolstered by the knowledge that they have won the last five encounters with Les Bleues, most recently in 35 degree heat in Mont-de-Marsan in the run up to the World Cup.
The Red Roses also have the added positive heading into this match of the return of prop Hannah Bottermanand fullback Ellie Kildunne, who were both injured in England’s last group match against Australia and missed out on the quarterfinal last week.
Botterman’s return also heralds the return of established prop pair Botterman and Muir, who play together domestically at the Bristol Bears, and have proved their effectiveness in this campaign time and time again, both crossing the line to score during the group stage matches.
Flyhalf is a much contested position in the England set up, with several talented contenders, but Zoe Harrisonseems to be coach John Mitchell’s top choice as she reappears in the starting XV as soon as the pressure ramps up.
The second row is left largely unchanged from the last game against Scotland, with Abby Ward being the only new face at lock.
Established try scorers Sadia Kabeya, Jess Breach, Natasha Hunt and Amy Cockayne all also feature in the starting XV as England obviously gear up for a strong fight.
Captain Zoe Aldcroft is returning to the squad after a knee injury, flanked by Sadia Kabeya, who has established herself as a try-scoring machine, and Alex Matthews who captained against Australia.
England starting XV:
15 - Kildunne, 14 - Dow, 13 - Jones, 12 - Heard, 11 - Breach, 10 - Harrison, 9 - Hunt, 1 - Botterman, 2 - Cockayne, 3 - Muir, 4 - Talling, 5 - Ward, 6 - Aldcroft (c), 7 - Kabeya, 8 - Matthews
Full England squad
Forwards: Zoe Aldcroft (captain), Lark Atkin-Davies, Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, Abi Burton, May Campbell, Mackenzie Carson, Kelsey Clifford, Amy Cokayne, Maddie Feaunati, Rosie Galligan, Lilli Ives Campion, Sadia Kabeya, Alex Matthews, Maud Muir, Marlie Packer, Morwenna Talling, Abbie Ward
Backs: Holly Aitchison, Jess Breach, Abby Dow, Zoe Harrison, Tatyana Heard, Natasha Hunt) Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, Claudia Moloney-MacDonald, Lucy Packer, Helena Rowland, Emily Scarratt, Jade Shekells, Emma Sing.
Injured: none
Suspended: none
World number four’s France will be gearing themselves up for a tough fight ahead of meeting their old Six Nations rivals England, especially given that they nearly lost out on this semi-final place to Ireland, who led their quarterfinal for the first 60 minutes.
However, France showed some real tenacity and ability to change their tactics mid match to be able to eventually defeat Ireland last match - qualities that are sure to put them in good stead against fearsome England.
French rugby legend Pauline Bourdon-Sansus was a real game driver in Les Bleues quarterfinals, shifting her team into an offensive mindset, and reappears in the starting XV this week.
Charlotte Escudero, Joanna Grizez and Morgane Bourgeois all scored against Ireland, and are back to hopefully lead France’s offensive against the Red Roses.
In defence, Madoussou Fall Raclot is back in the second row, after a powerful performance last week. She is joined in lock pair by Hina Ikahehegi this week, rather than Manae Feleu who suffered a yellow card last week.
Teani Feleu will be representing the family on the international stage tomorrow though at number eight.
France starting XV:
15 - Bourgeois, 14 - Grisez, 13 - Konde, 12 - Vernier, 11 - Menager, 10 - Arbez, 9 - Bourdon Sansus, 1 - Brosseau, 2 - Gerin, 3 - Bernadou, 4 - Fall Raclot, 5 - Ikahehegi, 6 - Escudero, 7 - Champon, 8 - Feleu
Full France squad
Forwards: Makarita Baleinadogo, Rose Bernadou, Axelle Berthoumieu, Manon Bigot, Yllana Brosseau, Lea Champon, Khoudedia Cissokho, Annaelle Deshaye, Charlotte Escudero, Madoussou Fall Raclot, Teani Feleu, Manae Feleu, Agathe Gerin, Hina Ikahehegi, Assia Khalfaoui, Taina Maka, Marie Morland, Seraphine Okemba, Elisa Riffoneau
Backs: Kelly Arbey, Carla Arbez, Emilie Boulard, Pauline Bourdon Sansus, Morgane Bourgeois, Alexandra Chambon, Joanna Grisez, Nassira Konde, Marine Menager, Carla Neisen, Lina Queyroi, Lina Tuy, Gaby Vernier
Injured: none
Suspended: none
England vs France score predictions
England have won their last five encounters with Les Bleues and have had much more convincing points differences than their European counterparts. Nevertheless, France have shown a tenacity and ability to kick into an extra gear late in the game, which is sure to make for an exciting 80 minutes.
Score Prediction: England 45 - 40 France
How to watch England vs France: Live stream, TV channel
All of the Women’s World Cup matches will be broadcast live on the BBC and on England Rugby’s YouTube. England versus Scotland will take place Saturday, September 20, at 15:30 GMT.
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