As the Women's Euro 2025 group stage reaches its climax, England's Alex Greenwood finds herself at the center of attention ahead of their highly anticipated match against Wales. While the encounter is billed as a major rivalry, Greenwood suggests the stakes might be higher for their Welsh counterparts.
England, the defending champions, can secure a quarter-final spot with a win against Wales, currently the lowest-ranked team in the tournament. For Wales, however, the equation is far more complex. To advance, they would need to defeat England by a margin of four goals or more and hope that France defeats the Netherlands.
Greenwood, a seasoned defender who recently earned her 100th cap for England, approaches the game with a measured perspective. "Maybe not as much," she said when asked if she felt the same sense of rivalry as the Welsh. "I think, for me personally, it's another game". She acknowledged the significance of the match, stating, "It's now the most important game that we're going to play and I think that's how I look at it, that's how I treat it". Greenwood also recognized the excitement surrounding the game, adding, "I think for the fans and everybody around it, the rivalry is brilliant... I think the atmosphere tomorrow is going to be great and something we should all look forward to".
In contrast to Greenwood's calm demeanor, Wales captain Angharad James expressed a fierce determination to defeat England. "Of course you do," she asserted when asked if she wanted to knock England out. "It's in our blood. It's in our DNA".
Despite Greenwood's downplayed approach, the match undoubtedly carries significant weight for both sides. England aims to maintain its dominance and advance in the tournament, while Wales seeks to make a statement and potentially achieve a historic upset.
Wales has demonstrated its ability to challenge England in the past, holding the Lionesses to a goalless draw in a 2018 World Cup qualifier. Then-Wales manager Jayne Ludlow hailed it as "probably the best result in their history". The current Welsh team is eager to create their own history in the Euro 2025.
The England camp exuded calmness in the hours leading up to their previous match, a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands. Players engaged in relaxed activities such as jigsaw puzzles, and the team displayed confidence on the pitch. That victory came after a "chastening defeat" in their opening match.
For England, a win against Wales would not only secure their place in the quarter-finals but also serve as a testament to their resilience and determination. However, Wales will be motivated to disrupt England's plans and potentially create one of the biggest surprises of the tournament.
As the two teams prepare to face off, the clash promises to be a compelling encounter filled with passion, intensity, and potentially, a historic outcome.
