England open 2017 SheBelieves Cup campaign against France

England Women will have the opportunity to register their first win against France in 43 years when they face Les Bleues in the opening fixture of the SheBelieves Cup in March.

The Lionesses, who played in last year's inaugural SheBelieves Cup, will also come up against current world champions USA and reigning Olympic champions Germany in the four-team tournament.

England play France in Chester, Pennsylvania on Wednesday March 1, before taking on USA at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Saturday March 4, rounding off the tournament against Germany at Washington's RFK Stadium on Tuesday March 7.

The matches form part of England's preparation for this summer's Euros, which take place in Netherlands.

England head coach Mark Sampson said: "The SheBelieves Cup is a key opportunity for us to continue our learning on what it takes to win against the best teams in the world in tournament conditions.

"We are grateful to US Soccer for the invitation and look forward to contributing to what promises to be a great event for women's football."

Lionesses captain Steph Houghton added: "The SheBelieves Cup was a great tournament to play in last year with big crowds and tough opposition.

"It's important we test ourselves against the best teams and players in the world and we'll certainly do so there.

"I know we can compete with these teams, we've developed a lot in the last few years and hopefully will continue to do so ahead of the Euros."

England will open their Euro 2017 campaign against Scotland in Utrecht on Wednesday 19 July before playing Spain in Breda on Sunday 23 July and Portugal in Tilburg on Thursday 27 July.

SheBelieves Cup fixtures in full:

Wednesday March 1

England v France           
USA v Germany                   

Saturday March 4

France v Germany           
USA v England           

Tuesday March 7

Germany v England
USA v France