The duo face Germany and Sweden respectively in this week’s semi-finals and should each have enough to win
First leg: Friday, Düsseldorf, 4.45pm (all times BST). Second leg; Tuesday, Caen, 8.10pm
“This is going to be a completely new game,” Germany’s coach, Christian Wück, told local media before this encounter. “We’re not going to think too much of the European Championship quarter-finals.”
It is, however, hard to believe that Wück and his team will not be looking to that Euro 2025 last-eight game for both motivation and inspiration. That match in Basel was memorable – a 10-player Germany coming from behind to beat their old rivals on penalties in a game they arguably should never have won but which showed them much about their character. It led to another reckoning for France, who have consistently fallen short at major tournaments.
A new season brings a fresh start for both as they look to mount a challenge to Spain’s Nations League title defence. Laurent Bonadei has the more stable squad. Although Amel Majri and Sandie Toletti have retired, 19 of his 23 from the Euros remain. The openings have led to first senior call-ups for Kysha Sylla, Inès Benyahia and Wassa Sangaré, who is impressing on loan at London City Lionesses.
