England have put their Euro 2025 campaign back on the right track with a 4-0 victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.
The reigning European champions got off to a nightmare start in Group D last Saturday as they were beaten 2-1 by France of their opening game.
The Lionesses were staring down the barrel of an early exit in the event that they were beaten by the Dutch but they delivered an emphatic response to the criticism they’ve received from the defeat to France with a comprehensive win in Zurich.
Lauren James opened the scoring with a superb finish from 18 yards following a raking pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton which picked out Alessia Russo.
Georgia Stanway doubled England’s lead shortly before half time with a wonderful first-time strike from distance.
James prolonged England’s advantage within the sixtieth minute after excellent work from Lauren Hemp on the appropriate flank.
Russo then turned provider again for England’s fourth goal as she arrange Ella Toone, who was handed her first start of the tournament after being benched for the opening game against France last weekend.
The win temporarily puts England top of Group D on goal difference, but France can retake top spot in the event that they beat Wales of their match at 8pm on Wednesday night.
England are actually within the driving seat to qualify for the knockout stage as a win against Wales of their final Group D at 8pm on Sunday will probably be enough to see the Lionesses undergo.
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