England permutations: What Lionesses need to qualify…

England permutations: What Lionesses need to qualify for Euro 2025 knockout stages

Marching on: Lionesses - (AFP via Getty Images)

England were in a spot of bother at Euro 2025, but things are looking a little rosier now.

The Lionesses are the defending champions in Switzerland, and they were perilously close to an embarrassing early exit after they were dealt a blow on matchday one.

A 2-1 defeat by France the Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich was the worst possible start to their tournament, as Marie-Antoinette Takoto and Sandy Baltimore’s goals were enough to give Les Bleus a crucial three points.

That result left England second-bottom of Group D, spared only by Wales’s 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in the other opening fixture.

However, Sarina Wiegman’s side roared back on their return to Zurich as they decimated the Dutch 4-0 with a spectacular showing to get themselves back on track.

So, what does that mean for them now?

Group D table as it stands

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	England	2	1	0	1	+3	3
2	France	1	1	0	0	+1	3
3	Netherlands	2	1	0	1	-1	3
4	Wales	1	0	0	1	-3	0

The defending champions are now in a much stronger position going into the final group game.

That statement victory over the Netherlands shows that they have well and truly arrived at this tournament, and it saw them top the table - at least temporarily.

The 4-0 scoreline makes their goal difference particularly healthy.

Needless to say, because of their goal difference advantage over Andries Jonker’s Dutchwomen, the Lionesses simply need to match the Netherlands’ result on matchday three.

Wiegman’s side take on Wales in St Gallen, and a win would guarantee them a place in the last eight, while a point might not be enough should the Netherlands stun France.

If France beat Wales, all they will need is a point against the Netherlands in the final game to go through as group winners.

However, if Les Bleues are beaten by Holland after defeating Wales, then England could leapfrog them into top spot, although that will come down to goal difference.