England and Sarina Wiegman always knew they faced the ‘Group of Death’ at Euro 2025.
But even so, the prospect of the Lionesses being dumped out of the tournament in Switzerland after just two games would have seemed unthinkable given their status as reigning champions.
That, however, is exactly the scenario England find themselves in going into Wednesday’s crucial clash with the Netherlands.
A 2-1 defeat to France in their Group D opener has left Wiegman’s side on the brink. If they lose to the Dutch - and France then beat Wales - the Lionesses will be heading home.
Three years ago, they made history by winning the Euros on home soil, ending England’s wait for a first major trophy in the women’s game.
Now they are at risk of creating unwanted history. No defending champion has ever exited a Women’s Euros at the group stage.
“It’s a final for us, we will do everything to win,” said Wiegman. “Every game is must-win. We’ve experienced that before. We knew this was going to be a hard group. What we are focusing on is our game-plan and executing that.”
Wiegman will need to call upon all of her vast experience against the country of her birth.
She led the Netherlands to European glory in 2017 and repeated the feat with England five years later. Saturday’s defeat to France was, remarkably, her first ever defeat in the competition.
Throughout her career, Wiegman has always come up with the answers. But now she needs a solution more than ever.
The Lionesses boss has said she is open to making changes, which is a shift from three years ago when Wiegman named the same XI in every game of Euro 2022.
England’s defence, especially down the left flank, was exposed against France and Jess Carter could drop out. Further forward, Lauren James struggled in central areas and may be moved to the wing, allowing one of Ella Toone or Grace Clinton to start in the No10 role.
“In our team, we have different types of players who play in the same position. So, if you want to change something, change your shape and style to impact the game, we can do that,” said Wiegman.
The Netherlands will prove tough opponents and they finished above England in their Nations League group two years ago.
There is less pressure on them than England as they kicked off their Euro 2025 campaign with a 3-0 win over Wales on Saturday.
Vivianne Miedema opened the scoring in that game and now she will play against her partner Beth Mead.
It is one of the many sub-plots to Wednesday’s game, which included the fact Wiegman’s assistant Arjan Veurink is due to takeover as the Dutch boss after the Euros.
For England, the scenario is simple. Lose and their dream of retaining their European crown will likely be over.
