England reignited their Euro 2025 campaign with a commanding 4–0 victory over the Netherlands, putting their tournament back on track after an opening loss to France. Lauren James starred for the Lionesses, scoring twice as Sarina Wiegman’s side showed a marked improvement, both in structure and confidence.
After criticism of England’s midfield setup in their defeat to France, James was shifted to a wide role and responded in style. She opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, latching onto a superb long-range pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton before firing into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area.
England looked far more composed throughout the match in Zurich. Their pressing in midfield paid off, and they regained control of possession with ease. Just before the break, Georgia Stanway doubled the lead with a powerful strike, redeeming herself after a subdued performance in the previous match.
James added her second on the hour mark, reacting quickly to a rebound from an Ella Toone shot. Toone got on the scoresheet shortly after, making it 4–0 with a composed finish in the 67th minute. Although Alessia Russo had a goal ruled out for offside, the result never looked in doubt. England now face bottom-placed Wales in their final group match, confident of progressing.
Meanwhile, Wales suffered a 4–1 defeat against France in St. Gallen, a result that leaves their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals hanging by a thread. Clara Mateo opened the scoring for France in the seventh minute after Wales failed to clear a corner. However, Jess Fishlock equalised five minutes later, finishing from close range after a clever assist from Ceri Holland. The goal stood following a VAR check.
Wales remained competitive for much of the first half, but a late challenge by Holland just before the break handed France a penalty, which Kadidiatou Diani converted. Goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel came close to saving the effort, but the ball trickled in.
A costly error from Middleton-Patel early in the second half gifted France a third goal, with Mateo intercepting and assisting Amel Majri for a clinical finish. Grace Geyoro added a fourth as France sealed the win.
Wales now face a near-impossible task: they must defeat England by at least four goals and hope France beat the Netherlands to have any chance of progressing.
