England Lionesses roar back with 4-0 Dutch demolition

England Lionesses stamped their authority on Euro 2025 qualifying with a ruthless 4-0 victory over the Netherlands in St Gallen, proving that one poor outing was never going to derail their title defence.

England Lionesses answer the pressure test

England Lionesses entered the tie knowing that consecutive defeats would have left their continental crown hanging by a thread. Sarina Wiegman’s squad responded the only way champions should—by overwhelming top-seeded opposition with intensity, ingenuity and belief.

Facing a Dutch side that had stunned France earlier in the week, the reigning champions flew out of the blocks. Every tackle, press and pass carried extra bite; every shout between team-mates echoed the simple mantra voiced by skipper Leah Williamson: “None of us wanted to go home.”

High-stakes night in St Gallen

Few group-stage fixtures feel like knock-out football, yet this one did. A boisterous Swiss crowd watched as the England Lionesses, stung by their opening-day loss, chased, harried and—crucially—converted. Their 17-shot tally told only half the story; the tempo and precision strangled Dutch rhythm from minute one to ninety.

Georgia Stanway marshalled midfield traffic with her trademark blend of grit and guile, allowing Lauren James the freedom to terrorise full-backs. Behind them, a back four anchored by Millie Bright permitted just two shots on target all evening, underlining a collective unwillingness to repeat earlier errors.

Williamson: Pressure brought the best out of us

Captain leads with calm authority

Post-match, Williamson cut a satisfied figure. “We knew what was at stake and embraced it,” she told broadcasters. “Today was about being human first—sticking together—and footballers second.” The centre-back’s composure filtered through the ranks. Even when the Netherlands attempted a late high press, the captain demanded calm, sprayed passes into midfield pockets and snuffed out danger.

How the goals flowed

Lauren James lights the spark

The breakthrough arrived on 18 minutes. Collecting a slick Stanway lay-off on the right corner of the box, James chopped inside on her left foot and whipped an unstoppable curler into the far top corner. The England Lionesses had the lead—and the swagger—to match.

Stanway and Toone seize control

Eight minutes later, Stanway doubled the tally with a 20-yard drive that nicked a Dutch shin and wrong-footed goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. The third, on the hour, came courtesy of Ella Toone, who timed her near-post run perfectly to glance home Lucy Bronze’s driven cross. By then the Oranje defence was chasing shadows; James added her second late on, tapping in after Lauren Hemp’s darting run split tired legs.

Stat-packed reaction

• The England Lionesses recorded their biggest competitive win over the Netherlands since 2007.
• James became the first English player to score a brace against the Dutch in women’s European qualifying.
• Wiegman has now overseen 30 victories in 36 matches as England boss, an 83% win rate.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Stanway emphasised the message: “This was about showing who we are—proper England. Once the third went in we knew the game was ours.” James echoed the sentiment: “As long as I’m helping the team, whether scoring or assisting, I’m happy. Tonight shows what we’re capable of.”

What the result means for Euro 2025 hopes

The emphatic victory lifts England into second place in Group A, one point behind France and two clear of the Netherlands. With the top two qualifying automatically, destiny is again in their own hands. Goal difference—now swung heavily in their favour—could yet prove decisive in a tight section.

Beyond the mathematics, the statement success restores psychological edge. Rivals will note that when stakes rise, the England Lionesses find another gear. Wiegman acknowledged the significance: “We demanded a reaction and we got it. Consistency now becomes our target.”

Focus turns to Wales showdown

Sunday’s clash with Wales offers an opportunity to cement quarter-final passage. The Dragons have suffered back-to-back defeats, but derby tension will ensure nothing comes easy. Expect Wiegman to balance rotation with momentum: fringe players such as Jess Carter and Niamh Charles could earn minutes, yet the spine—Williamson, Stanway, James—will remain intact.

Preparation will centre on maintaining the pressing triggers that unsettled the Dutch, while refining set-piece delivery; three of England’s 12 corners against the Netherlands produced clear sights of goal but yielded no conversion. In tournament football, marginal gains matter.

England Lionesses and the road ahead

After Wales, a return fixture against France looms. The opening-day defeat still stings, and Williamson admits revenge would be sweet: “We respect France, but we’re itching for another go. We’ve proved we can handle pressure; now we must prove we can sustain levels across the group.”

Should England top the section, their quarter-final would likely pit them against a runner-up from Group B—potentially Spain or Sweden. Finishing second could trigger a heavyweight clash with Germany. The margins are fine, yet performances like Thursday’s remind everyone why the England Lionesses were crowned European champions two summers ago.

Opinion: Statement victory restores belief

The England Lionesses delivered more than three points—they delivered a statement. The crisp passing patterns, relentless pressing and clinical finishing evoked memories of Wembley 2022. One result does not guarantee silverware, but it does prove the gears are intact and humming. If this squad sustains Thursday’s hunger, few nations will fancy facing them in Switzerland next summer.