The Lionesses bounced back from a 2-1 loss to France with a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands, keeping their Euro 2025 campaign alive. Sarina Wiegman’s side thrived under pressure, with Lauren James scoring two goals and Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone adding to the scoreline.
Key Changes Made by Sarina Wiegman
– *Direct Approach*: England adopted a more direct style, exploiting spaces behind the Netherlands defense with long passes to Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp. This approach paid off, creating scoring opportunities and catching the Dutch off guard.
– *Midfield Reorganization*: Wiegman brought Ella Toone back into midfield, providing more support to Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway. This move allowed England to win second balls and be sharper in midfield. Lauren James was moved to the right wing, where she seemed more comfortable, utilizing her unique crossing and passing ability.
– *Defensive Switch*: In a surprise move, Wiegman shifted Jess Carter to center-back and Alex Greenwood to left-back, forming a back four with Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson. This change brought defensive solidity, with Carter limiting Vivianne Miedema to just eight touches in the first half.
Impact of the Changes
These tactical adjustments paid off, as England dominated the match and secured a convincing win. The victory puts England in a strong position to reach the quarterfinals, with a match against Wales upcoming on Sunday. With this win, England has shown resilience and adaptability, key qualities for a successful tournament run.
