Leah Williamson slams England’s Euro 2025 start

Leah Williamson branded England “not good enough” after the Lionesses slipped to a 2-1 defeat against France in their opening Euro 2025 qualifier in Geneva, a result that leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side facing a must-win game against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Leah Williamson calls out sloppy defending

The captain’s assessment was as direct as her tackling. England dominated the opening quarter, yet everything unravelled during a frantic five-minute spell late in the first half. Marie-Antoinette Katoto pounced on space between Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze to steer France ahead, and Sandy Baltimore doubled the lead moments later after Alex Greenwood was caught isolated. “We lost our one-v-one duels,” Williamson said. “At this level you get punished.”

How the Euro 2025 group now looks

England entered the tournament as reigning champions but sit third in Group A after matchday one. The Netherlands top the section following a comfortable 3-0 win over Wales, while France leapfrogged the Lionesses into second. Only the top two progress automatically, leaving Wednesday’s clash with the Dutch pivotal. “We’ve given ourselves no margin for error,” admitted Williamson. “But tournaments are built on resilience, and we’ve shown that before.”

VAR drama proved a turning point

England thought they had struck first when Alessia Russo swept home from Beth Mead’s cross, only for VAR to rule Mead offside by millimetres. Greenwood believes the overturned goal deflated the group. “We lost our rhythm,” she conceded. Wiegman agreed, noting that her midfield began forcing passes, which in turn exposed her back line to French counters.

Midfield misfires and missed chances

Keira Walsh’s late strike, a 20-yard drive that kissed the post on its way in, offered hope but arrived too late. The Barcelona playmaker spent most of the night plugging gaps left by a misfiring press. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone were both guilty of cheap turnovers, feeding France’s transition threats. Overall, England completed just 78 percent of their passes—well below their tournament average of 87 percent at Euro 2022.

Primary focus on Leah Williamson’s leadership

Leah Williamson’s return after an ACL injury was supposed to steady the ship. Instead, the 27-year-old found herself leading crisis talks in the dressing room. Teammates praise her calm authority, yet even she could not stem France’s momentum. Still, her words post-match struck the right tone: no excuses, no scapegoats, collective accountability. That message will resonate as England prepare for the Netherlands, a side unbeaten in 11 competitive fixtures.

Wiegman’s tactical tweaks under scrutiny

Wiegman rarely makes knee-jerk changes, but suggestions of tinkering are growing louder. A back three could suit Williamson’s ball-playing strengths and offer extra protection against Dutch winger Lieke Martens. There is also debate around the No.9 role: Russo’s link play impresses, yet Rachel Daly’s pressing intensity might better disrupt Dutch build-up. Whatever the selection, Williamson insists intensity must rise: “We can’t start games at 70 percent and expect to cruise.”

Key stats from a night to forget

• Shots: France 10, England 9
• Expected goals: France 1.4, England 0.9
• Possession: England 55 percent
• Duels won: France 54 percent
Most telling was that England lost 18 of 25 defensive duels in wide areas—precisely where France struck. Williamson highlighted that figure in her media briefing, calling for “smarter, not just harder” defending.

What must change before facing the Dutch?

1. Sharpen the press: England’s first line was bypassed too easily.
2. Restore midfield balance: Walsh needs a partner willing to sit.
3. Cut out individual errors: Both French goals stemmed from lapses in concentration.
4. Be clinical: One shot on target before the 87th minute is simply insufficient.
Leah Williamson believes these tweaks are achievable within three days: “It’s mindset and detail, not wholesale overhaul.”

Historical context offers hope

England have bounced back from opening defeats before. In the 2019 World Cup qualifiers they lost early to Norway, then won six straight matches. With veterans like Williamson, Mead, and Bright, the experience is there. Furthermore, Wiegman has never failed to reach the knockout rounds of a major tournament as a coach.

Fan reaction and media narrative

Social media lit up with criticism, but many supporters echoed Williamson’s stance that perspective is vital. The Guardian praised her “refreshing honesty,” while former skipper Steph Houghton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Williamson’s bluntness could “reset standards internally.” Newspapers in France lauded their team’s ruthlessness yet warned that “an angry England is never an easy opponent.”

Netherlands scouting report

The Dutch under Andries Jonker press high and build through Daniëlle van de Donk. Their 3-4-3 shape will test England’s full-backs—a concern given France’s success down the flanks. Set pieces, however, remain a potential English weapon; Williamson has scored four headers in qualifiers since 2020 and could exploit the Netherlands’ zonal scheme.

Possible England XI vs Netherlands

Earps; Bronze, Bright, Williamson, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway; Mead, Toone, Hemp; Daly.

Opinion

England’s reputation was forged on composure, but that quality deserted them against France. Leah Williamson’s post-match honesty might sting, yet it is exactly what the squad requires. Admit the failings, fix the basics, and trust the talent. The Lionesses still control their destiny—provided they respond like champions on Wednesday.