The Lionesses are facing a critical juncture in their Euro 2025 campaign and need to rediscover their best form to stay in the competition. After a disappointing 2-1 defeat to France in their opening match, England's hopes of defending their title are hanging in the balance. They now face the Netherlands in a must-win game where a loss could see them exit the tournament at the group stage, a first for a defending champion.

The Stakes

The pressure is mounting on England as they prepare to face a formidable Netherlands side. A defeat would not only jeopardize their chances of reaching the quarter-finals but could also result in an early exit from the tournament. Even a draw would leave the Lionesses in a precarious position, dependent on other results to advance. The Netherlands, on the other hand, are in a strong position after their dominant 3-0 victory over Wales. A win against England would secure their place in the quarter-finals with a game to spare.

Time to Recapture the "Proper England" Performance

The Lionesses need to rediscover the physicality, grit, and determination that characterized their victorious Euro 2022 campaign. Georgia Stanway's call for a "proper England" performance highlights the need for the team to return to their core strengths. This means being solid defensively, winning battles in midfield, and being clinical in attack.

Keys to Success

• Defensive Solidity: England needs to tighten up defensively and prevent the Netherlands forwards from finding the space that France exploited.
• Midfield Dominance: Winning the midfield battle will be crucial to controlling the game and creating scoring opportunities.
• Attacking Threat: The Lionesses need to be more incisive and clinical in attack, converting their chances into goals. Lauren James's form is a talking point, with questions on whether she is fully fit and where she should be playing to maximize her impact.
• Team Selection and Tactics: Sarina Wiegman's selection choices will be crucial. The balance between attack and defense needs to be spot on, and the right players need to be in the right positions to execute the game plan effectively.

The Dutch Threat

The Netherlands, coached by Andries Jonker, present a different challenge to France. They are a technically gifted side who like to dominate central areas. The Dutch squad includes key players such as Vivianne Miedema, who recently scored her 100th international goal, and other talented players like Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts. Defensively, players like Veerle Buurman, Kerstin Casparij, and Wieke Kaptein will be crucial.

England's Potential Line-up

A possible England line-up could feature Hampton in goal; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, and Charles in defense; James, Walsh, and Stanway in midfield; and Kelly, Russo, and Hemp in attack.

The Road Ahead

The Lionesses' journey in Euro 2025 has been far from smooth. Their qualification campaign saw them face tough opposition in France, Sweden, and the Republic of Ireland. Despite finishing three points ahead of Sweden with the best goal difference in their group, some media outlets have suggested that England struggled to qualify.

Time to Roar

The Lionesses have a history of bouncing back from setbacks. They have won the game following their last two defeats. Now, they need to channel that resilience and determination to overcome the Netherlands and keep their Euro 2025 dream alive. It is time for the Lionesses to show their true mettle and remind everyone why they are the defending European champions.