England Lionesses eye must-win showdown with Netherlands

England Lionesses head to Utrecht knowing only victory will keep their destiny in their own hands in the Euro 2025 qualifier against the Netherlands, and striker Alessia Russo insists the squad are ready to “create a bit of magic” to avoid an early exit.

England Lionesses face do-or-die night in Utrecht

The reigning European champions have no margin for error after a 2-1 defeat to France in their Group A3 opener left them three points adrift of top spot. Sarina Wiegman’s side currently sit third, and a second loss would leave qualification hanging by a thread with just two fixtures to play in the autumn. The England Lionesses have built their reputation on resilience since lifting the trophy at Wembley in 2022, and Russo believes that mentality will be crucial on Friday.

Lessons learned from the France setback

Wiegman’s team dominated possession against Les Bleues but struggled to convert chances before being punished by two clinical counter-attacks. Training sessions at St George’s Park this week have therefore focused on sharper pressing in midfield, quicker ball progression and, most importantly, ruthless finishing inside the penalty area.

Russo’s rallying cry

“We don’t like losing—full stop,” Russo said. “There’s huge belief in this group, and when our backs are against the wall that’s when we tend to produce. We’ve spoken about creating magic moments, the kind that change tournaments, and there’s no better time than now.”

Tactical tweaks on the horizon

Wiegman is expected to recall Lauren Hemp to the starting XI, adding direct pace on the left, while Leah Williamson’s return to full fitness offers composure out of defence. A possible 4-2-3-1 shape would free Russo to roam between the Dutch centre-backs and exploit gaps left by their adventurous full-backs.

Scouting the Netherlands

The Oranje Leeuwinnen, coached by Andries Jonker, opened with a 1-0 win over Sweden and boast formidable attacking quality in Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens and Daniëlle van de Donk. However, their high line was repeatedly breached by Swedish runners, giving the England Lionesses confidence they can do similar damage if passes arrive on time.

Path to Euro 2025 hangs in the balance

Only the top two nations in each League A group qualify automatically for next summer’s finals in Switzerland. Finish third and the playoff route awaits; finish fourth and elimination is almost certain. Wiegman, who previously guided the Dutch to European glory in 2017, is determined not to rely on mathematical permutations.

What a win, draw or defeat means

A win propels England level on points with the Netherlands and potentially above France, depending on other results. A draw leaves everything to play for but places added pressure on September’s double-header. Defeat would likely require maximum points from those two games plus help elsewhere—a scenario Russo calls “unacceptable”.

Inside camp: mood and motivation

Sources close to the team describe an atmosphere mixing calm professionalism with steely resolve. The England Lionesses have held open discussions on accountability, and Wiegman encouraged younger squad members such as Grace Clinton and Khiara Keating to voice opinions in tactical meetings, fostering collective responsibility.

England Lionesses need that ‘magic moment’

Friday could hinge on individual brilliance: a Russo snapshot, a Hemp sprint, perhaps a Georgia Stanway thunderbolt. “The margins are tiny at this level,” Russo added. “But we’ve shown we can dig deep. We believe our football will shine through.”

Key battles to watch

• Russo vs. Stefanie van der Gragt: Physical duel that could decide who wins aerial territory inside the box.
• Stanway & Keira Walsh vs. Van de Donk & Jackie Groenen: Midfield engine rooms tasked with dictating tempo.
• Bronze & James vs. Martens: England’s right flank must balance attacking thrust with defensive discipline.

Possible starting XI

Earps; Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly; Walsh, Stanway; James, Toone, Hemp; Russo.

Kick-off details

Date: Friday, 31 May 2024
Venue: Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht
Kick-off: 19:45 BST / 20:45 CET
Broadcast: ITV1 and ITVX (UK), NOS (Netherlands)

Opinion: Victory will define the campaign

If the England Lionesses aspire to retain their crown, nights like these cannot slip away. Wiegman’s group has enough quality and experience to seize control, but they must start quickly, stay clinical and trust the attacking principles that made them champions. Anything less, and the road to Switzerland becomes an uphill trek.