France prepares to face England in a Rugby World Cup semi-final with key roster adjustments announced September 19, 2025.Teh team will challenge the world’s top-ranked side with a reshaped back row and strategic changes in the centers and on the wing.
The French squad faces England following a nine-match suspension for Axelle Berthoumieu after an incident involving a bite during the quarterfinal against Ireland. Charlotte Escudero will move from number 8 to Flanker to cover the absence. Notably, Teani Feleu returns to the starting lineup as Third-Ligne Center, recovering from a sprain sustained earlier in the competition and having appeared as a substitute against Ireland in the 18-13 quarterfinal victory.
Further adjustments see Kelly Arbey named to the bench, while Captain Marine household will shift from her usual center position to the wing, partnering with Nassira Kondé and Gabrielle Vernier in the center pairing-a strategy previously employed against South Africa. Morgane Bourgeois will continue as the team’s rear rider.
On the front line, pillar Bernadou is reinstated after serving a yellow card suspension for a high tackle against Ireland. France enters the semi-final with a ancient record of sixteen consecutive defeats against England, including recent losses on Febuary 9, 2025, during the Six Nations tournament (43-42) and in a planning match on August 16, 2025 (40-6).
