England's Women's Euro 2025 campaign experienced a dramatic turnaround after a disappointing start, and a key tactical switch appears to be the catalyst. Following a 2-1 defeat to France in their opening match, the Lionesses bounced back with a stunning 4-0 victory over the Netherlands. This emphatic win not only reignited their hopes of defending their title but also demonstrated the effectiveness of Sarina Wiegman's strategic adjustments.
The initial loss to France exposed flaws in England's defense and midfield, leading to questions about the team's tactics and overall performance. Leah Williamson, England's captain, acknowledged that the team "weren't good enough" and pointed to "cheap defending one-vs-one" as a major issue. Sarina Wiegman also noted the team's sloppiness and inability to maintain possession. The French team exploited weaknesses on the wings, causing problems for Lucy Bronze and Jess Carter, while key players like Georgia Stanway and Beth Mead underperformed.
In response to this setback, Wiegman made crucial changes to the team's formation and player positioning. One of the most significant adjustments was moving Lauren James to the right side of the attack. In the match against France, James started at the No. 10 position, but some felt that she would have had a greater impact if she had come on later in the game. Against the Netherlands, this switch allowed James to fully utilize her creative spark and dribbling skills, contributing two goals to England's dominant victory.
Another notable change was the return of Ella Toone to the starting lineup, replacing Beth Mead. Alex Greenwood shifted to left-back, and Jess Carter moved into the center of defense. These changes brought a new dynamic to the team, improving both their attacking prowess and defensive stability.
These tactical tweaks allowed England to play with greater intensity and a renewed sense of purpose. Alessia Russo noted that the squad had conversations about "playing without fear," which translated into a more direct and faster style of play. This approach contrasted sharply with their performance against France, where they appeared hesitant and reactive.
The result against the Netherlands was a "proper turning point" for England, signaling their arrival as serious contenders in the tournament. The Lionesses displayed high intensity and determination, ensuring their opponents felt the pressure throughout the match. This win was not just about the scoreline; it was about re-establishing the team's identity and setting a new standard for their performances.
While England's victory over the Netherlands was a significant step forward, challenges still lie ahead. The Lionesses are in a tough group alongside France, and the Netherlands, meaning they must maintain their improved form to progress to the knockout stages. The key switch in tactics and the renewed mentality, however, provide a solid foundation for England to build upon as they aim to defend their European title.
