England revive Euro 2025 hopes
England 4 - 0 Netherlands
England bounced back from their opening defeat at Euro 2025 with an emphatic win over the Netherlands, reviving their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Author | Olivia T
Stadium | Stadion Letzigrund
Lauren James was moved to the wing following criticism of England’s midfield setup in the loss to France, responded with two goals as the whole side produced a dominant display.
A closer look at what happened
James opened the scoring after 22 minutes, drilling a low shot into the corner from the edge of the area following a superb long-range pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Sarina Wiegman’s side looked far more composed in Zurich, pressing with purpose, defending solidly and dictating the tempo throughout.
Georgia Stanway, who had struggled against France, doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a powerful strike, celebrating with arms outstretched.
READ MORE | A closer look at Euro 2025
James added her second just after the hour mark, reacting quickly to tuck home the rebound after Ella Toone’s effort was saved. Toone then got on the scoresheet herself in the 67th minute, finishing calmly inside the box.
The Lionesses had come into the match under pressure following their opening defeat in Group D and needed a response to keep their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive. They nearly added a fifth, but Alessia Russo’s header was ruled out for offside in the build-up.
The Netherlands offered little threat and now face the task of needing to beat group leaders France to have any chance of progressing. England, meanwhile, go into their final group fixture against Wales with renewed belief, knowing victory should be enough to book their place in the last eight.
England’s midfield almost back to its best
England’s midfield was overrun in their defeat to France, with defensive weaknesses exposed and individual mistakes punished.
Georgia Stanway gave the ball away on several occasions during the 2-1 loss, and questions were asked about whether Lauren James’ free role left the team too open to counter-attacks.
Sarina Wiegman also faced scrutiny for starting the 23-year-old, who is considered one of the most talented players in the world, in the number 10 position ahead of Ella Toone.
So when the England manager chose to move James out wide against her home nation, the Netherlands, there was curiosity over whether the same issues would appear.
Spoiler alert, they didn't. This was a fantastic England performance from all alreas of the pitch. Their tournament is finally up and running.
