Euro 2025: England reignite title defence with statement win over the Netherlands | OneFootball

A few days later than planned, the Lionesses arrived at Euro 2025. A brace from Lauren James along with a goal apiece for Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone sealed a crushing 4-0 over the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Following a disappointing performance and result in their opening game on Saturday, England knew that anything less than a win would realistically see the defence of their European crown end in the group stage.

Sarina Wiegman resisted the urge to make wholesale personnel changes. Toone came in for Beth Mead. This resulted in James being moved wide, with Toone occupying the space behind Alessia Russo. There was also a slight tweak at the back. Alex Greenwood moved to left-back and Jess Carter partnered Leah Williamson in the middle.

England seal convincing win over the Netherlands

While the Dutch were outplayed in large parts of the game, it was the Oranje that could’ve taken an early lead.

A cross in from Chastity Grant found Vivianne Miedema in space in the England six-yard box. Fortunately for those in white, the Dutch striker’s first touch evaded her and Hannah Hampton jumped on the loose ball. It was a massive let-off for the Lionesses but as dangerous as the Dutch would look all evening as England tore through them.

England took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute. Hampton played a long pass that was so incisive, it could’ve found breakfast in Zurich that cost less than £25. On the end of it was inevitably Russo. She may not have scored here, but her work rate and pressing were world class all night.

Her cutback inside found James, who carried the ball in on her left before unleashing a stunner past Daphne van Domselaar.

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Lauren Hemp later saw a header land on top of the net. Meanwhile, Russo had one spilled by Van Domselaar before the follow-up was blocked. The pressure from the champions eventually told as the Netherlands were breached again deep into first half stoppage time.

James’ clipped free-kick into the box was only cleared as far as Stanway. The Bayern Munich midfielder let rip with a 25-yard blockbuster. Van Domselaar stood no chance. England had seized near complete control.

England put their fate back in their own hands

In the second half, Russo was again denied a goal by the offside flag just five minutes after the restart. Against France, a disallowed goal turned the tide against England. On this occasion, it spurred them on.

Just before the hour, James added a third. Hemp did brilliantly to get to the byline and get her cross in. Russo’s attempted effort was skewed to Toone whose shot was blocked. But there was James — looking like she’s having a kick-about with her mates — to slot the ball home.

Andries Jonker’s side were shellshocked. Miedema was withdrawn, having barely had a kick since that early chance.

Miedema must have barely had a chance to sit down before Toone capped off a stunning performance. A long, raking ball forward from Carter found Russo. She carried the ball into the box before checking and cutting back to Toone.

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Under pressure from a retreating orange shirt, the Manchester United player’s effort crept in just out of reach of Van Domselaar.

For those of you old enough to remember Euro 96, the similarities here were striking. A disappointing opening performance and an iconic performance against the Netherlands. For Wembley, read Letzigrund. Instead of Shearer and Sheringham in tandem, it’s Russo and Toone in complete harmony.

The Lionesses’ fate is back in their own hands. A win against Wales on Sunday will be enough to secure a quarter-final berth. England have arrived at these European Championships and it’s not a moment too soon.

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