England's Euro 2025 campaign is back on track after a dominant 4-0 victory over the Netherlands, silencing doubts that arose from a previous defeat against France. The Lionesses delivered a resounding statement, proving they are still a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.
The match, initially anticipated as a tight contest, turned into a one-sided affair under the Zurich sky. This victory served as a strong response to the questions surrounding England and their manager, Sarina Wiegman, following their opening-night setback. Wiegman, who has previously won the European Championship with both England and the Netherlands, faced scrutiny after the loss to France, making this win all the more crucial.
England embraced the high stakes of the game, immediately putting pressure on the Netherlands. Lauren James, the Chelsea forward, justified Wiegman's faith in her by scoring the opening goal, settling any nerves. Questions had been raised about the goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, but the team collectively rose to the occasion.
In the past decade, the Lionesses have consistently performed well in major tournaments. However, the defeat against France led to growing concerns and the possibility of an early exit, which would have been their first group-stage exit since 2013. The team was aware that another loss could trigger unprecedented criticism.
Despite the pressure, England delivered a performance that sent a clear message to their rivals: the reigning champions are not to be underestimated. The atmosphere in Zurich was vibrant, with a large contingent of Dutch fans marching to the stadium, but England's players were focused and determined.
Looking back to the defeat against France, Wiegman's selection of Lauren James in the No. 10 position was questioned. Although James's talent was undeniable, her fitness level after recovering from an injury was a concern. England's performance in that match was disjointed, and they struggled to find their rhythm.
Wiegman acknowledged the need for improvement after the France game, stating that England "caused a bit of our own problems". She emphasized the importance of sticking together, recovering, and focusing on the upcoming game against the Netherlands.
Despite the loss, there were some positive takeaways from the France match. England started strongly and could have taken the lead early on through James. However, Alessia Russo's goal was disallowed by VAR, which could have changed the course of the game. A focused mindset and awareness of what was missing was required in time for the match against the Netherlands.
The dominant win against the Netherlands has not only boosted England's chances of advancing in Euro 2025 but has also restored confidence and silenced the doubters. The Lionesses have proven that they are capable of overcoming adversity and performing at their best when it matters most.
