England thrashed the Netherlands to keep their Euro 2025 campaign alive as the holders responded to the threat of elimination with a superb performance in Zurich.
The Lionesses could have become the first European champions to be eliminated from the group stage of the Women’s Euros had they followed their hugely disappointing 2-1 loss to France with another defeat.
But Sarina Wiegman’s side appeared to thrive under the pressure of a knockout game and bounced back in style, with two goals from Lauren James firing England to a huge win over a strong Dutch team.
Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone scored the other goals in a much improved team performance from England, which puts the defending champions in a great position to reach the quarter-finals if they beat Wales on Sunday.
England will likely still need to beat Wales, are all-but out of the Euros after a 4-1 defeat to France later this evening. Follow all the reaction from England’s big win over the Netherlands, below
England v Netherlands LIVE: Women's Euro 2025 latest updates
- FULL TIME! Lionesses roar to huge win to stay alive at Women’s Euro 2025
- 66' GOAL! Toone fires fourth to put England in dreamland [ENG 4-0 NED]
- 60' GOAL! James scores her second to put England on course for win [ENG 3-0 NED]
- 45' GOAL! Stanway cracker doubles England's lead just before HT [ENG 2-0 NED]
- 22' GOAL! James smashes shot into top corner to give England lead [ENG 1-0 NED]
- FULL TIME! Wales on the brink of Women’s Euro 2025 exit despite landmark goal
Wales on the brink of Women’s Euro 2025 exit despite landmark goal
23:13 , Jamie BraidwoodWales have been all-but eliminated from Euro 2025 after a 4-1 defeat to France in Group D.
Rhian Wilkinson’s side were put to the sword by Les Bleus in St Gallen, despite Jess Fishlock scoring her country’s first-ever goal at a major tournament.
Clara Mateo, Kadidiatou Diani, Amel Majri and Grace Geyoro bagged for France to leave Wales needing to beat England and manufacture a nine-goal swing in goal difference in Sunday’s final match.
Even if they can achieve that unlikely feat, they also need France to beat the Netherlands.
Wales on the brink of Women’s Euro 2025 exit despite landmark goal
The key England switch that sparked a turning point at Women’s Euro 2025
21:42 , Miguel DelaneyThis was what Georgia Stanway meant by “proper England”. This is why the squad keep saying those two words, as even Sarina Wiegman revealed after the game.
It isn’t necessarily a description, or any kind of old-fashioned appeal to the past. It’s a mantra, a standard. It’s about high intensity, not letting levels drop, and making sure the opposition feel the burn right until the very end of a game.
That was certainly true of the Netherlands, in a 4-0 defeat that might indeed prove a proper turning point in this entire Euro 2025 campaign. The defending champions have finally arrived, securing the tournament’s biggest win in any match that doesn’t feature Spain. That it was against a team as fancied as the Dutch, and with all of the storylines that were supposed to give this fixture such an edge, makes it all the more admirable.
The key England switch that sparked a turning point at Women’s Euro 2025
Alessia Russo feels “the sky’s the limit” for England after the Lionesses rediscovered their “DNA” in an emphatic 4-0 group-stage victory over the Netherlands which kept alive their Women’s European Championship title defence.
21:21 , Jamie BraidwoodAlessia Russo feels “the sky’s the limit” for England after the Lionesses rediscovered their “DNA” in an emphatic 4-0 group-stage victory over the Netherlands which kept alive their Women’s European Championship title defence.
“After the France game, we looked at ourselves a lot as individuals and how we can all be better and obviously within the team,” said player-of-the-match Russo, who contributed three assists.
“I think that going into this game we wanted to start with that, setting our own standards high on and off the ball and we definitely did that.
“I think when that’s our standard as a team, then the sky’s the limit.”
Alessia Russo confident of Women’s Euro 2025 chances after England rediscover ‘DNA’
Sarina Wiegman felt tension before England's big win over Netherlands
21:06 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman admitted she was aware of the scrutiny England were under ahead of their must-win game against the Netherlands but was pleased with the manner the Lionesses came through such a test.
"Well, I found it hard too of course,” Wiegman said. “I always knew ahead of this tournament that it was a very hard group. It can happen but then you need to win the other games. So yes, I was excited but at the same time I felt a little tense too.
“I think that's completely normal and you really want to stay in the tournament so you want to win. We also know the Netherlands are a good team. I just had to focus on my job, review well and think about how we could bring people together.”
Sarina Wiegman explains England's ability to 'bounce back'
20:51 , Jamie Braidwood“I think the players reflect really well on themselves and then on the team. We always review games, even when games go really well, there is always things that don’t go well. We don’t make it a disaster. France was not nice but it’s one game and you want to do better the next game.
“I think it’s really important that you come together, you have conversations together because it’s a team sport and I think that’s what the team does really well and have done against over the last three days.”
Alessia Russo praises Hannah Hamtpon for role in first goal
20:36 , Jamie Braidwood“It was unreal. She did another one in the second half through to me which was great. That set the tone for that, obviously as soon as I saw that ball coming in I knew I didn't even have to touch it and I could turn and obviously when LJ [Lauren James] is in that area, I'm going to give her the ball because she creates something out of nothing. The first finish, it definitely set the tone and showed we have different varieties of attack as well, so it was great to have that in the build-up.”
Jess Carter: Our defence today was the total opposite of France game
20:23 , Jamie BraidwoodJess Carter provides some insight into England’s defensive change against the Netherlands after being asked to swap with Alex Greenwood and play at centre-back.
“I don't know why it came about, I turned up to training and that's when Sarina [Wiegman] put me and swapped Alex [Greenwood].
“Obviously, we analyse in training and that's what we worked on. I'm not one to question and ask for a reason, I just do the job I'm asked to do.
“Me and Alex didn't feel connected in the France game and this game felt the total opposite with her and the whole team. Alex was phenomenal at left back."
Lauren James a 'special player', says Sarina Wiegman
20:10 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman called Lauren James a “special player” while speaking with the BBC after her two goals against the Netherlands tonight.
"You saw good, I think she can do even better. Of course, she has been out for a while but she is really back on it and that looked really good,” Wiegman said.
“She's a special player and that's what you see, and the team supports her and she supports the team and it's really nice she plays to her strengths because she can change games."
Watch: Stanway nets second
19:55 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s that second from Georgia Stanway!
Georgia Stanway, what a hit! 🤩#WEuro2025 pic.twitter.com/owBxMJ51n3
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2025
Watch: James' stunning opener
19:50 , Chris WilsonA replay of Lauren James’ brilliant first goal this evening!
Lauren James, what a goal! #BBCFootball #WEuro2025 pic.twitter.com/vTojbB882M
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2025
What do England need to qualify? Women’s Euro 2025 group permutations explained
19:40 , Chris WilsonThe business end of the Euro 2025 group stage has quickly rolled around with many teams already at the risk of elimination and others close to booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Holders England were one of those teams facing early jeopardy after the Lionesses fell to a 2-1 defeat to France in Group D and their clash against Netherlands on Wednesday was described as “must-win”.
The Lionesses could have become the first European champions to be eliminated from the group stage of the Women’s Euro but they instead thrashed the Netherlands to keep their title defence alive.
It puts the defending champions in a great position to reach the quarter-finals if they beat Wales, who face France this evening.
What do England need to qualify? Women’s Euro 2025 group permutations explained
The three changes Sarina Wiegman made to rescue England’s Women’s Euro 2025 campaign
19:30 , Chris WilsonEngland thrashed the Netherlands to keep their Euro 2025 campaign alive as the holders responded to the threat of elimination with a superb performance.
The Lionesses could have become the first European champions to be eliminated from the group stage had they followed their 2-1 loss to France with another defeat.
But Sarina Wiegman’s side thrived under the pressure of a knockout game, with two goals from Lauren James firing England to a huge win over a strong Dutch team.
The three changes Sarina Wiegman made to rescue England’s Women’s Euro 2025 campaign
Next up
19:20 , Chris WilsonEngland’s next game – the final match of the group stages – comes against Wales on Sunday, 13 July.
That one takes place at the Kybunpark in St Gallen, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
The Netherlands will face France in their final game of the groups. That takes place at the same time, at the St. Jakob-Park in Basel.
Wiegman reacts
19:15 , Chris WilsonSarina Wiegman says she is happiest with “the response of the team after the France game”.
“How we came together, how we played, and of course I’m very happy with the score, because goal difference can make the difference. But how we came together, and execution of the gameplan, that really helped.
“I’m really proud of the team, this is an incredible response.
“I wouldn’t expect 4-0. First of all you want to win and you have to, and if you can win by more than two goals then you’re almost in the best positon going into the Wales game.
“It did look like a more balanced team but also you play a different opponent. I think the France game and this are hard to compare, but today it looked like a balanced team.
Stanway & James react
19:10 , Chris WilsonSpeaking to BBC, Lauren James says she enjoyed the game a lot
“The goals say it all. We bounced back, today we showed that we’re more than capaable of showing the world what we can do,” she said.
Stanway says she is “happy to have made it 2-0”.
“Once we got to three that’s when we could settle. This is about showing who we are, we fought from the very first minute to the very last. LJ [James] set the tone and we followed.
“If LJ is confident then that is what we want, but evetybody else has to do their job in order for LJ to be able to do her’s,” she adds.
James adds that she’s happy “as long as I’m helping the team in any way, whether providing or scoring”.
“I keep doing my best each game. Hopefully as the games go on I get more involved,” she adds as she finishes.
How the table looks
19:06 , Chris WilsonThat result puts England top of Group D, with three points and a goal difference of +3.
The Netherlands are now in third, having sat top at kick-off, with three points and a goal difference of -1.
France could well go top tonight of course, with their game against Wales to come at 8pm BST.
1. England – 3pts, GD +3
2. France – 3pts, GD +1
3. Netherlands – 3pts, GD -1
4. Wales – 0pts, GD -3
FULL-TIME! England 4-0 Netherlands
19:01 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! England 4-0 Netherlands
18:56 , Chris WilsonEngland will indeed go through to the knockouts if they can secure a win against Wales on Sunday.
FULL-TIME! England 4-0 Netherlands
18:53 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and England have a dominant win in Zurich!
A superb performance all-round from the Lionesses, and a win in their final group game should see them through.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:52 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins: Lots of back-and-forth in possession as England seem determined to keep this clean sheet now rather than go for a fifth.
Jess Carter is down after a solid challenge, but she’s okay to carry on.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:50 , Chris Wilson90 mins: It’s all petering out now as England close in on a superb win.
There’ll be three minutes of added time in Zurich.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:47 , Chris Wilson88 mins: It’s England creating the openings despite their lead, with Beever-Jones the latest to get into the box, but the Chelsea striker overhits the cross.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:45 , Chris Wilson86 mins: A sub for the Dutch now, with Egurrola replacing Groenen.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:43 , Chris Wilson83 mins: Subs coming, and no goal for Alessia Russo today.
Aggie Beever-Jones and Niamh Charles replace Russo and Bronze.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:42 , Chris Wilson81 mins: CLOSE!
Another intricate move as Mead lays it back to Bronze, who sees Walsh making the overlapping run.
She slides it in and Walsh fires the ball in, but Russo can only direct her snap shot straight at van Domselaar.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:3978 mins: The Dutch are still trying to make something happen in attack, though England are fairly content just to sit back and let them have the ball at the moment.
Spitse fires in the corner but it’s headed away, before she forces Hampton into a straightforward save.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:3574 mins: The Netherlands get forward but it’s a wasteful ball into the box. Not troubling England, that.
Wiegman makes changes as Toone and Hemp making way for Grace Clinton and Beth Mead.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:31 , Chris Wilson71 mins: The Dutch are really struggling out there at the moment, with England still keeping up the pressure.
England 4-0 Netherlands
18:28 , Chris Wilson69 mins: A change for England now, as James is replaced by Chloe Kelly.
GOAL! England 4-0 Netherlands
18:27 , Chris Wilson67 mins: GOAL! It’s turning into a rout!
Russo latches onto a long ball and holds it up in the box before laying it off to Toone.
The Man Utd midfielder works the space for a shot and squeezes a low effort past van Domselaar, who looks like she saw it late.
England 3-0 Netherlands
18:25 , Chris Wilson64 mins: Really seems like this game is over as a contest, as the Dutch make some changes.
Miedema comes off for Danielle van de Donk.
England 3-0 Netherlands
18:21 , Chris Wilson60 mins: GOAL! It’s a third!
Simple stuff again but perfectly executed.
Hampton’s long all forward finds Hemp, who skips past the challenge and cuts it back into the box. It comes to Toone, who looks certain to score but sees her effort blocked.
It’s deflected into the path of James though, and she makes no mistake, passing it low into the corner for 3-0!
England 2-0 Netherlands
18:19 , Chris Wilson58 mins: Maybe the best chance of the game so far for the Dutch, as the diagonal ball is played in to Grant at the far post, but she can only fire the cross right across the mouth of goal!
England 2-0 Netherlands
18:1756 mins: Bronze concedes a cheap corner but Greenwood heads the cross away. Resolute defending from England still.
England 2-0 Netherlands
18:14 , Chris Wilson54 mins: Some superb dribbling from Lauren James there to keep England in possession.
The Lionesses have started the half just as well as they ended the first one.
The Dutch do win a corner though, as Carter blocks the shot from range.
OFFSIDE GOAL! England 2-0 Netherlands
18:11 , Chris Wilson51 mins: OFFSIDE!
Russo has the ball in the net but it’s ruled out!
Hemp wins a corner after Casperij blocks the cross. Greenwood swings it in and it’s cleared, but England keep possession and Toone sees a cross cleared before Greenwood plays a lovely diagonal ball that Russo bundles in.
However, Williamson had been offside when Toone’s cross came in earlier.
England 2-0 Netherlands
18:07 , Chris Wilson48 mins: An early free-kick for the Dutch after James is penalised.
The set-piece comes in from Kaptein on the left, but Hampton takes it well.
England 2-0 Netherlands
18:07 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Netherlands have completely changed it up at half-time, making a triple change. Lineth Beerensteyn has gone to play up front with Vivianne Miedema, it what appears to be a 4-2-4 from the Netherlands.
KICK-OFF! England 2-0 Netherlands
18:05 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Zurich!
The Netherlands make three changes, with Foord, Brugts and Buurman coming off for Beerensteyn, Dijkstra and Spitse.
HALF-TIME! England 2-0 Netherlands
18:03 , Chris WilsonPlayers back out onto the pitch, so the second half is imminent.
HALF-TIME! England 2-0 Netherlands
18:01 , Chris WilsonA brilliant half from England, so the question now is can they keep it up?
They’ve completely nullified the Dutch attacking threat while piling on plenty of attacking pressure and creating some promising openings, with both goals coming from brilliant finishes.
Jill Scott looks delighted on the sidelines, calling it a “really good performance”.
HALF-TIME! England 2-0 Netherlands
17:56 , Chris Wilson
HALF TIME! England 2-0 Netherlands
17:52 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland’s substitutes all lined up on the touchline to applaud that performance as the Lionesses made their way off the pitch at half-time.
When they needed a performance, they turned up. The holders have been so much sharper and hungrier in midfield than the Netherlands.
And they’ve carried threat.
HALF-TIME! England 2-0 Netherlands
17:49 , Chris Wilson45 +4 mins: HALF-TIME!
What an end to the half for the Lionesses!
It was a dominant perfjoamcne and it’s nothing less than they deserve, with Sarina Wingman’s side heading into the break with a two-goal cushion.
GOAL! England 2-0 Netherlands
17:48 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins: GOAL! The Lionesses have another!
It’s so simple too, as a long ball forward is headed back to Russo. She can’t get it under control but does poke it to Stanway, who rifles a first shot time that takes a slight deflection before nestling in the bottom corner!
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins: A promising counter as Hemp feeds James, but she sees her shot blocked.
We’ll have three minutes of added time in Zurich.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:44 , Chris Wilson43 mins: Toone does well to win a free-kick and Greenwood’s ball in is dangerous, though Stanway sees her shot deflected to van Domselaar.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins: Chance after chance for England, but can they extend their lead before half-time?
James is at the centre of it again, clipping in a ball that Russo heads narrowly wide of the target.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:42 , Chris Wilson40 mins: Greenwood swings in the corner but it comes back to her. She lays it off to James, who curls in another early cross, but Hemp can’t make anything of the header.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:39 , Chris Wilson38 mins: Another half-chance for the Lionesses, with the cross coming in and Russo glancing a header goalwards, but van Domselaar gets down well to make the save.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:3736 mins: CLOSE!
Another great chance for England as James and Walsh put together a lovely combination on the edge of the box before the cross is fired in.
Hemp is there to try and head in, but she’s under pressure and can only direct her effort onto the top of the net.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:36 , Chris Wilson34 mins: The Netherlands have settled somewhat in possession now but they’re still finding it difficult to create anything of note.
England’s defence has been impressive so far, with the move to put Jess Carter at centre-back and Alex Greenwood at left- back working well so far.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:32 , Chris Wilson30 mins: Sarina Wiegman will be delighted with some of the attacking combinations that she’s seen so far, with the latest resulting in a throw near the Dutch area.
James gets the cross in but it doesn’t quite drop for Russo in a congested penalty box.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:29 , Chris Wilson28 mins: Half a chance for the Lionesses after a lovely exchange on the edge of the box involving Walsh, but Russo can’t get the cross away in the area.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:2725 mins: Nothing less than England deserved, and it was a superb finish from James.
The Netherlands do mount an attack but there’s little space between England bodies in the box, and Roord eventually fires well over.
England 1-0 Netherlands
17:27 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: That’s why Hannah Hampton is England No 1 ahead of Mary Earps. A brilliant pass from the goalkeeper, who played as an outfielder until she was 14 and grew up in Spain. A fantastic pass through to Alessia Russo. Sarina Wiegman did say there would be space behind the Netherlands defence...
GOAL! England 1-0 Netherlands
17:24 , Chris Wilson22 mins: GOAL! England are ahead!
It all comes from a superb drilled pass from Hampton, who finds Russo with a long ball. The Arsenal forward races onto the ball before laying it off to James near the edge of the box.
The Chelsea forward skips past a challenge and into the area, cutting outside before lashing in a brilliant finish high into the net for 1-0!
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:22 , Chris Wilson21 mins: Well played from Hampton, who is quick off her line to smother a long pass.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:2120 mins: A few crosses from the right have been collected too easily by van Domselaar, though there’s little to concern Wiegman now as England get into their groove in attack.
There’s a brief break in play as James is down, but she’s fine to carry on.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:17 , Chris Wilson17 mins: Some great pressing from England so far, and it almost pays off as Bronze wins it high, but James can’t capitalise.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins: Greenwood does well to get the better of Grant to win possession back, and the Lionesses are beginning to dominate here.
The Netherlands aren’t making much of possession when they do win it.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:13 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins: A decent early chance for Russo but it came from Walsh immediately looking to get Hemp in behind with a ball over the top. There was no hesitation around it, with England looking to play more direct.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:12 , Chris Wilson11 mins: England are just managing to settle in possession now, and they’re making good use of the long ball forward.
Hampton hits one long to Hemp, who is clattered in the box by Janssen, and the winger stays down.
No chance of a penalty though, and Hemp is fine to carry on.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins: CLOSE!
First real chance of the game. Hemp gets away down the left and hangs up an inch-perfect cross, but Russo arrives and can only direct the header wide!
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:08 , Chris Wilson7 mins: Some early openings for the Lionesses, with Toone foiled by some alert goalkeeping from van Domselaar, who was off her line quickly to clear.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:065 mins: Almost a brilliant chance for the Dutch, as they get in down the right and the cutback comes to Miedema, but Williamson does enough to prevent her getting the shot away.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:04 , Chris Wilson3 mins: Toone picks the ball up on the edge of the box before sliding it to Hemp, who finds James at the back post, but the Chelsea forward can only head wide.
England 0-0 Netherlands
17:03 , Jamie Braidwood1 min: So not just one positional change for England tonight but two: Jess Carter is at centre-back, with Alex Greenwood at left back. A big change in the back four.
KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Netherlands
17:02We’re underway in Zurich! A crucial game for the Lionesses.
Team news and how to watch England vs Netherlands
16:55 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland XI: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Toone,Walsh, Stanway, James, Russo, Hemp
Subs: Moorhouse, Keating,Charles, Mead, Le Tissier, Clinton, Morgan, Agyemang, Kelly,Beever-Jones, Park, Wubben-Moy
Netherlands XI: van Domselaar, Casparij, Janssen, Buurman, Brugts,Kaptein, Groenen, Pelova, Grant, Miedema, Roord.
Subs: Kop,de Jong, Wilms, Dijkstra, Leuchter, Beerensteyn, Spitse,van de Donk, Jansen, Snoeijs, Egurrola, van der Zanden
How can I watch it?
England v Netherlands will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer,
Sarina Wiegman on selecting Ella Toone and making one change
16:46 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman, speaking to BBC One, on her team selection and selecting Ella Toone in midfield.
"She came on good [against France]. What we want is runs in-behind.
"We know that's what she can bring to the team. We made that tactical decision for this game.
"We want to play well. We want to stay connected, but if necessary we want to fight for the win and show what we can do.
"What we want to express is a very strong team with good football going forward."
Women’s Euro 2025 group permutations: What England need to avoid early exit
16:45 , Jamie BraidwoodIf England lose to the Netherlands and France take at least a point against Wales, England would be out. Wales would also be out if they lose and the Netherlands take at least a point.
England cannot be knocked out today with a draw, but they would likely need a favour from France on the final day.
Women’s Euro 2025 group permutations: What England need to avoid early exit
England out to warm up
16:26 , Jamie BraidwoodAt least Sarina Wiegman has had a simple team talk to prepare: go out and win.
Lauren James backed as Ella Toone brought into midfield
16:23 , Jamie BraidwoodIt was clear on Saturday in the 2-1 defeat to France that England’s midfield did not work, with Lauren James fading after a bright start and Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh.
James remains in the team but has been moved to right wing - with Ella Toone brought in to offer some more strength in midfield.
Stanway was one of the players who spoke about the importance of getting “stuck in” against the Netherlands and midfield will be key to that.
England not concerned about ‘consequences’ of must-win Netherlands clash
16:15 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland head coach Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses are not considering the consequences of defeat against the Netherlands at Euro 2025.
After losing 2-1 to France in Zurich, the holders will be out of the Euros after just two games if they fall to a second defeat and France pick up just one point against Wales.
Wiegman has reached the last four major finals at the Euros and World Cup with the Netherlands in 2017 and 2019 and the Lionesses in 2022 and 2023.
And Wiegman said the pressure of battling against a group-stage elimination is the same as a major final as the Lionesses look to keep their tournament alive.
“We don’t talk about consequences, we talk about our game plan,” Wiegman said. “We bring it back to that it's a game, it's a football game, and the outcome, of course, has consequences, but that was the same at the final, at the Euros and the World Cup.”
Inside Sarina Wiegman’s gameplan to save England from embarrassment
16:00 , Miguel DelaneyWhen the England players got back into the dressing room after Saturday's defeat to France, they were very quiet, until Sarina Wiegman felt she had to do more than say the right words. She had to deliver the right message. “We win on Wednesday,” she said.
England, of course, must win on Wednesday, as they will already be out of Euro 2025 if they suffer defeat and a draw leaves their fate out of their hands. Yet, as simple as that message was, and as simplistic as the idea might sound, the words have worked.
England feel in a much better “headspace” ahead of what is essentially a knockout match against the Netherlands in Zurich. The direct football that they played in the final minutes of the France game has offered a sense of clarity. It’s brought a focus, where there was previously uncertainty.
Inside Sarina Wiegman’s gameplan to save England from Women’s Euro 2025 embarrassment
Netherlands team news and confirmed line-up
15:51 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Netherlands also make one change from the team that started against Wales with Chasity Grant, another of the Netherlands’ England-based players, replacing Danielle van de Donk. Victoria Pelova of Arsenal moves into midfield. Captain Vivianne Miedema starts.
Netherlands XI: Van Domselaar; Casparij, Janssen, Buurman, Brugts; Groenen, Pelova, Kaptein; Grant, Miedema, Roord
England team news and confirmed line-ups
15:46 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland make one change from the defeat against France as Ella Toone comes into the side in a move that will see Lauren James replace Beth Mead on the right wing.
Toone joins Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh in midfield, with Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp completing the attack.
The back four and goalkeeper are unchanged, so Jess Carter keeps her place.
Confirmed England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp
What changes will Sarina Wiegman make?
15:40 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman is expected to make at least one change to her line-up ahead of facing the Netherlands tonight. So what’s it going to be? Bring in Ella Toone? Drop Jess Carter for Niamh Charles? Move Lauren James into the forward line? Start Grace Clinton?
We’ll find out in the next few minutes.
What has Vivianne Miedema said about faing Beth Mead and England?
16:30 , Jamie BraidwoodVivianne Miedema said she and partner Beth Mead will “not be friends” when the Netherlands face England at Euro 2025 and would be “very happy” if she plays a part in knocking the Lionesses out of the tournament.
“Throughout the years we have played with each other a lot. At club and country level. May the best team win. No, I will not hold back.
“I don’t think she will speak to me for a bit [if England lose]. It’s tough, I know I’ve got Beth, but some of my best friends too. It’s football, it’s part of the game. I’ve been on the other end of it at other tournaments. I’ll be happy for us if we go through.”
Why is Mary Earps not playing for England at Euro 2025?
15:30 , Jamie BraidwoodMary Earps was one of England’s breakout stars when the Lionesses won the Euros three years ago, changing the way that goalkeeping is viewed in the women’s game, but will play no part in Euro 2025 after announcing her shock retirement before the tournament.
Earps was twice named the world’s best goalkeeper after helping England to Euros glory in 2022 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023, becoming one of the most popular members of the England team, but had lost her place in Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up to Hannah Hampton.
Netherlands fans arrive at Stadion Letzigrund
15:24 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Netherlands fans in good voice and bringing plenty of colour pre-match in Zurich. The Oranje have marched on masse to Stadion Letzigrund.
Lionesses on brink of more unwanted Euros history
15:15 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland are the first defending champions to lose their opening game at a Women’s Euros.
The holders have never been knocked out of the group stages in European Championship history.
But, if England lose to the Netherlands and France either beat Wales or draw, the Lionesses will be out already.
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Why ‘sloppy’ and ‘scared’ England need a rapid transformation at Women’s Euro 2025
Ella Toone: 'We need to stick together'
15:00 , Jamie BraidwoodElla Toone said England have to “stick together” as they prepare for their potential Euro 2025 elimination match against the Netherlands.
“Every game that we go into, we know it's a big game and we have that belief in the squad that we'll go on and give our all. There's no doubt about that, that every time we step onto the pitch we give absolutely everything,” Toone said after the 2-1 defeat to France.
“We're proud to represent England and to play for our country, so that will never change. I think every game is big. We prepare for every game the same, and we want to make sure that we get the win from that game just as we do every time we step out.
“There's no added pressure within the group, but we just need to stick together.”
England’s Euro 2025 squad: Guide to every Lionesses player
14:45 , Jamie BraidwoodA “new” England heads to Switzerland for Euro 2025 look to defend the title they won on home soil three years ago.
There have been plenty of changes and seven players, from 19-year-old striker Michelle Agyemeng to the uncapped 30-year-old goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, will be taking part in their first major international tournament.
But several winners from Euro 2022 will be back again under Sarina Wiegman, with captain Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze and Beth Mead bringing the experience and setting the standards as England look to retain their crown.
England game against Netherlands 'like a final'
14:30 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland forward Lauren Hemp says Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands is “like a final” for the holders, with a defeat against the Dutch likely to result in an early elimination from the tournament.
Hemp told That Lionesses Podcast connected by EE: “I think everyone’s really excited like it’s such an important game, it’s basically like a final for us like we know that we need to win the next two games to progress through and yeah we know what’s up for stake but this team performs so well under pressure so I think we’re all really excited for it.”
England expected to make at least one change
14:15 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter such a disappointing opening performance, there is good chance Sarina Wiegman at least one change to her England team. Additionally, all of Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Georgia Stanway recently returned from long injury lay-offs, so may not be ready to start two games in the space of four days. Wiegman, however, has said everyone is fit and available.
Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, Grace Clinton and Niamh Charles all came off the bench against France and could come into the line-up, with any of James, Stanway, Beth Mead and Jess Carter potentially making way if Wiegman does decide to mix things up. Michelle Agyemang made an impact off the bench and could be needed again if England require a late goal.
Possible England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp
Michelle Agyemang aims to forge her own path after solid start to England career
14:00 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland forward Michelle Agyemang is eager to carve out her own distinctive identity after bursting onto the scene in spectacular style.
The 19-year-old Arsenal striker announced her arrival with a goal 41 seconds after coming off the bench for her senior debut in April’s Nations League loss to Belgium, and earned her second cap late on in the Lionesses’ Euro 2025-opening defeat to France on Saturday.
Though the cameo was short, Agyemang made a big impression, sparking life into an England attack that, until Keira Walsh’s 87th-minute goal, had not registered a single shot on target, at times looking like she might equalise and make it two international goals in as many appearances.
Michelle Agyemang aims to forge her own path after solid start to England career
England must ‘ride the wave’ after early Euros setback, says Lotte Wubben-Moy
13:30 , Jamie BraidwoodLotte Wubben-Moy has urged England to “ride the wave” after the defending champions’ opening defeat to France left their Euro 2025 hopes hanging by a thread.
The Lionesses face the Netherlands on Wednesday in what is being billed as a must-win Group D encounter after the 2-1 defeat in Zurich on Saturday, when the Dutch secured an opening victory over Wales.
England also lost their opener to France at the 2015 World Cup in Canada but went on to achieve what was then their best ever finish of third, a journey seven-time major tournament veteran Lucy Bronze has encouraged her team-mates to keep fresh in their minds.
England must ‘ride the wave’ after early Euros setback, says Lotte Wubben-Moy
It’s time for the Lionesses to stop talking and get back to basics
13:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter Euro 2025 began in a heatwave, heavy rain and cooler temperatures have swept across Switzerland, freshening the air. In the hills above Lake Zurich, England have been speaking about a similar reset. It needs to happen quickly; from the disappointment of their opening defeat and the manner of their performance against France, the Lionesses will find themselves out of the Euros on Wednesday if they lose to the Netherlands.
England know what is required as they look to put things right. The Lionesses admitted they failed to turn up against France and there were “healthy” conversations and “helpful” analysis meetings following the 2-1 defeat at Stadion Letzigrund. Sarina Wiegman’s players now can’t wait to get going against the Netherlands, eager to “stop talking” and show the resolve of European champions.
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It’s time for the Lionesses to stop talking and get back to basics
‘Like a bad night out’: Georgia Stanway wants to ‘forget’ England defeat to France
12:30 , Jamie BraidwoodGeorgia Stanway compared England’s opening defeat to France at Euro 2025 to a “bad night out” and has promised there will be a response when the Lionesses take on Netherlands on Wednesday with their title defence on the line.
England will be knocked out of the tournament if they lose to the Netherlands and France take at least a point against Wales and Stanway, who said that she was “disappointed” with her own performance, said the Lionesses have had honest discussions over the past 48 hours.
But the midfielder said a hurt squad is “fed up of talking” and admitted the holders had to go back to being “proper England” after being outworked and outfought by France for long spells of their opening defeat, which Stanway is keen to move on from.
‘Like a bad night out’: Georgia Stanway wants to ‘forget’ England defeat to France
Wales team bus involved in crash on way to Women’s Euro 2025 stadium
12:00 , Jamie BraidwoodWales cancelled their pre-match training session ahead of facing France at Euro 2025 after their team bus was involved in a crash on the way to the stadium in St Gallen.
Wales were left “shaken” by the incident but have confirmed that no one was hurt in the collision, including in the other vehicle involved, with the majority of players and staff on board the coach at the time.
Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson and captain Angharad James were not travelling on the team bus as they had made their way to the St Gallen stadium earlier ahead of attending their pre-match press conference.
Wales team bus involved in crash on way to Women’s Euro 2025 stadium
Sarina Wiegman: 'It's going to be an intense game'
11:30 , Jamie Braidwood“We bring it back to what we have to do, and the focus is on what actions we have to take to play our best, and that's the conversations we have when we train.
“Of course it's gonna be an intense game, and we knew this was going to be a hard group. We are focusing on our game plan and just executing that.
“What we're occupied with is playing football, executing a task, sticking together and doing that together. Getting the right connections, and just work really hard and do everything to win the game.”
England not concerned about ‘consequences’ of must-win Netherlands clash
11:00 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland head coach Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses are not considering the consequences of defeat against the Netherlands at Euro 2025.
After losing 2-1 to France in Zurich, the holders will be out of the Euros after just two games if they fall to a second defeat and France pick up just one point against Wales.
Wiegman has reached the last four major finals at the Euros and World Cup with the Netherlands in 2017 and 2019 and the Lionesses in 2022 and 2023.
And Wiegman said the pressure of battling against a group-stage elimination is the same as a major final as the Lionesses look to keep their tournament alive.
“We don’t talk about consequences, we talk about our game plan,” Wiegman said. “We bring it back to that it's a game, it's a football game, and the outcome, of course, has consequences, but that was the same at the final, at the Euros and the World Cup.”
England not concerned about ‘consequences’ of must-win Netherlands clash
Vivianne Miedema and partner Beth Mead ‘will not be friends’ during Women’s Euro 2025 clash
10:30 , Jamie BraidwoodVivianne Miedema said she and partner Beth Mead will “not be friends” when the Netherlands face England at Euro 2025 and would be “very happy” if she plays a part in knocking the Lionesses out of the tournament.
Netherlands captain Miedema and England forward Mead began their relationship when they were team-mates at Arsenal and the Dutch striker said they have banned themselves from discussing Wednesday’s clash.
Holders England can be knocked out of the Euros after just two games if they lose to the Netherlands, who won the Euros in 2017, and Miedema said she would not be holding back ahead of facing her partner on the field.
“The golden rule tomorrow is we can talk about anything, just not football,” Miedema said. “We will not be friends tomorrow. If it’s not a nice moment for Beth, it is not a problem for me. I will be very happy tomorrow [if Netherlands go through].”
Vivianne Miedema and partner Beth Mead ‘will not be friends’ during Euros clash
Women’s Euro 2025 group permutations: What England need to avoid early exit
08:30 , Jamie BraidwoodThe business end of the Euro 2025 group stage has quickly rolled around with many teams already at the risk of elimination and others close to booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Holders England are one of those teams facing early jeopardy after the Lionesses fell to a 2-1 defeat to France in Group D and their clash against Netherlands on Wednesday has been described as “must-win”.
Norway were the first nation through to the quarter-finals after Switzerland eliminated Iceland with a 2-0 victory in Group A, while they were followed by Spain after the world champions thrashed Belgium 6-2 to make it two wins out of two in Group B.
Germany and Sweden both joined them from Group C, eliminating Denmark and Poland in the process.
Women’s Euro 2025 group permutations: What England need to avoid early exit
Inside Sarina Wiegman’s gameplan to save England from Women’s Euro 2025 embarrassment
08:15 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen the England players got back into the dressing room after Saturday's defeat to France, they were very quiet, until Sarina Wiegman felt she had to do more than say the right words. She had to deliver the right message. “We win on Wednesday,” she said.
England, of course, must win on Wednesday, as they will already be out of Euro 2025 if they suffer defeat and a draw leaves their fate out of their hands. Yet, as simple as that message was, and as simplistic as the idea might sound, the words have worked.
England feel in a much better “headspace” ahead of what is essentially a knockout match against the Netherlands in Zurich. The direct football that they played in the final minutes of the France game has offered a sense of clarity. It’s brought a focus, where there was previously uncertainty.
Inside Sarina Wiegman’s gameplan to save England from Women’s Euro 2025 embarrassment
What is the Netherlands team news?
08:10 , Jamie BraidwoodVivianne Miedema reached her century of Netherlands goals in style with a stunning finish to break the deadlock against Wales and was able to get some rest in the final half hour with her team in a comfortable position. Lineth Beerensteyn was also able to get some minutes off the bench after being an injury doubt before the Wales games but the Netherlands are likely to be unchanged.
Possible Netherlands XI: Van Domselaar; Casparij, Janssen, Buurman, Brugts; Groenen, Van de Donk, Kaptein; Pelova, Miedema, Roord
What is the England team news?
08:05 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter such a disappointing opening performance, there is good chance Sarina Wiegman at least one change to her England team. Additionally, all of Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Georgia Stanway recently returned from long injury lay-offs, so may not be ready to start two games in the space of four days. Wiegman, however, has said everyone is fit and available.
Ella Toone, Chloe Kelly, Grace Clinton and Niamh Charles all came off the bench against France and could come into the line-up, with James, Stanway, Beth Mead and Jess Carter potentially making way if Wiegman does decide to mix things up. Michelle Agyemang made an impact off the bench and could be needed again if England require a late goal.
Possible England XI: Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; Mead, Russo, Hemp
When is England v Netherlands?
08:02 , Jamie BraidwoodThe match will kick off at 5pm BST (UK time) on Wednesday 9 July at Zurich’s Stadion Letzigrund, which is where England lost to France on Wednesday.
How can I watch it?
England v Netherlands will be shown on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage getting underway from 4:15pm.
When is England v Netherlands? Kick-off time and how to watch Women’s Euro 2025 match
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