England’s Euro 2025 title defence roared back to life on Wednesday night as the Lionesses dismantled the Netherlands 4-0 in Zurich, brushing aside the doubts that clung to them after their limp opening defeat to France. In front of a raucous crowd at Stadion Letzigrund, Sarina Wiegman’s side issued a ruthless statement, putting themselves firmly back in the hunt in Group D.
From kickoff, England were on the front foot. In the 22nd minute, Lauren James found the top corner with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box — the chance beautifully set up by a phenomenal long ball from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton that caught the Dutch line flat-footed. Just before half-time, Georgia Stanway doubled the lead, rifling home from distance into the bottom corner past Daphne van Domselaar, leaving the Netherlands staring at a steep climb.
The second half brought more misery for the Dutch. James grabbed her second in the 60th minute, pouncing on a loose ball inside the area and finishing with icy composure. Just seven minutes later, Ella Toone sealed the rout, tapping in after a clever cut-back from Alessia Russo. Russo’s performance was a masterclass — three assists on the night, with two going to James, underlining just how devastating England’s attack can be when it clicks.
By the final whistle, the stats told the story: England registered 17 shots to the Netherlands’ four, kept Vivianne Miedema largely anonymous, and looked every bit the reigning champions they are.
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The Lionesses head into their final group game against Wales brimming with confidence, knowing a win would all but seal their passage to the quarter-finals. For the Netherlands, it’s a trickier equation: they trail England by four on goal difference, so must better England’s result — or if both sides win, beat France by a five goal goal greater margin than England manage against Wales — to leapfrog the reigning champions and avoid an early exit.
Remaining Group D fixtures
Sun 13th July
20:00: Netherlands vs France – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, ITVX
20:00: England vs Wales – Arena St.Gallen, St.Gallen, BBC iPlayer, ITVX
Live standings
