England Women blitz Dutch as James sparks Euro revival

England women roared back to life in Zurich, ripping the Netherlands apart 4-0 to keep their European crown firmly in sight and remind the continent that Sarina Wiegman’s champions will not relinquish their title without a fight.

England Women rediscover ruthless edge

England women entered the second group match under immense pressure after the limp 2-1 defeat by France. From the opening whistle, however, the Lionesses were unrecognisable. They pressed high, moved the ball at pace and forced orange shirts into panicked clearances. Lauren Hemp’s direct running on the left set the tone, while Hannah Hampton’s calm distribution invited the back four to squeeze up and suffocate Dutch possession.

The breakthrough was pure bravery. Hampton arrowed a 40-yard pass through two lines to Alessia Russo, who drew defenders and released Lauren James. One touch, one thunderous finish: 1-0. Instead of protecting the lead, Wiegman’s side accelerated. Georgia Stanway doubled the advantage on the cusp of half-time with a whipped drive from the D, vindicating her deeper starting role after weekend criticism.

Tactical tweaks pay dividends

Wiegman resisted wholesale changes but made two subtle adjustments. First, Stanway dropped alongside Keira Walsh to form a double pivot, allowing Ella Toone to operate between Dutch lines. Second, Hemp and James swapped flanks intermittently, confusing full-backs who never knew whether to track inside or stay wide. The Netherlands never solved the puzzle; by the hour mark James had her brace, sliding home after another incisive Russo lay-off.

Star performers shine brightest

James inevitably grabs headlines, yet Hampton’s risk-reward goalkeeping underpinned everything. The Aston Villa No.1 completed 38 of 42 passes, five of them breaking the first Dutch press. Stanway was everywhere, winning six duels and topping the tackle count. Up front Russo’s selfless movement created space for others, a reminder that goals are only one measure of a striker’s worth.

What the result means for Euro 2025 hopes

Victory drags England women level on three points with France and the Netherlands heading into Sunday’s showdown against Wales. A win guarantees quarter-final qualification; even a draw could suffice if France beat the Dutch. Crucially, the performance rebuilds belief inside a squad that had tasted defeat just three times in Wiegman’s reign before arriving in Switzerland. Rivals will note the champions have not lost back-to-back games under this coach — and still have Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Millie Bright to return from injury before next summer’s finals.

England Women player ratings vs Netherlands

Goalkeeper

Hannah Hampton 8/10 — One superb assist, two smart saves, flawless kicking.

Defence

Lucy Bronze 7 — Balanced raids with defensive diligence.
Jess Carter 7 — Read Van de Donk’s runs perfectly.
Alex Greenwood 7 — Crisp passing set the tempo.
Demi Stokes 6 — Caught high once but recovery pace rescued her.

Midfield

Keira Walsh 7 — Metronome returned after rusty opener.
Georgia Stanway 8 — Goal plus relentless ball-winning.
Ella Toone 7 — Ghosted between lines, deserved strike.

Attack

Lauren Hemp 7 — Tormented Casparij all night.
Alessia Russo 8 — Two assists, tireless pressing.
Lauren James 9 — Clinical brace, infinite swagger.

Subs: Kelly 6, Charles 6, Nobbs 6.
Manager: Sarina Wiegman 8 — Minor alterations, major impact.

Quick stats

• Shots: 19-6 in England’s favour
• Possession: 61%
• Expected goals: 3.2 vs 0.5
• Passes in final third: 185-79

Opinion: Momentum restored just in time

For all the justified plaudits, England women must bottle this intensity and reproduce it against Wales – historically stubborn opponents who relish a derby. Do that, and Wiegman’s side will march into the knockouts with momentum, depth and, thanks to a revitalised Lauren James, the one-touch genius that terrifies every back-line in Europe.