England are drawn in ‘group of death’ against France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in Nations League-style Euro 2025 qualifying… as Lionesses learn their fate ahead of defence of their crown

England have been drawn against France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland as they look to defend their Euros crown in 2025.

The Lionesses learnt their qualifying fate on Tuesday afternoon in what was essentially the first stage of their defence of their crown they won in 2022 in a dramatic final against Germany.

There are six qualifying match days across three international breaks, which will take place in April, late May and early June, and July.

The play-off rounds will then be held in October and late November and early December, before the draw for the tournament on December 16, seven months prior to the first kick-off.

The tournament will begin on July 2 2025 in Switzerland, with the final set for July 27 at St Jakob-Park in Basel.

Teams were split into 13 groups for the draw from three leagues in what is a new Nations League-style competition for the qualifiers.

England were placed in Pot 2 of League A, while Scotland and Wales were in Pot 1 of League B and Northern Ireland were in Pot 3 of League B.

The draw was complex and saw teams avoid each other due to political reasons and other miss the three-team groups because of their involvement in one in the Nations League.

Scotland were drawn against Serbia, Slovakia and Israel, while Wales will face Croatia, Ukraine and Kosovo and Northern Ireland will take on Portugal, Bosnia Herzegovina and Malta.

More to follow.