Lionesses find their roar as they flatten Netherlands in Euros must-win | OneFootball

The Lionesses were back at their best as a faultless performance saw them fly past the Netherlands 4-0 at Euro 2025 and put a quarter-final place back in their hands.

England opened the scoring in the 22nd minute as goalkeeper Hannah Hampton directed a splitting ball through the lines and into the path of Alessia Russo. The striker was quick to locate Lauren James, who danced through several markers before sending a booming strike across her body and into the top right corner.

England doubled their lead just before the stroke of half time as Georgia Stanway pounced on the remains of a blocked free kick, firing her strike into the bottom corner from range.

The Lionesses put the game to bed in the 58th minute as James found herself in the right spot at the right time, slotting home a strike from close range. And the goals kept on coming as Ella Toone had her say, sending the net rippling in the 67th minute with a well placed finish from inside of the area.

The victory in Zurich leaves England in a comfortable position heading into the final fixture against Wales, where they will be hoping to get the job done in order to secure a spot in the knockouts.

Lauren James is the star of the show

The name in the lights tonight was none other than James, who ran the show from start to finish. The Chelsea forward is unlike any other player in the England squad, possessing unparalleled flair and charisma.

The goal that put the Lionesses ahead set the tone for the evening, dancing through the Dutch like it was light work.

Wiegman gets it right in Zurich

The decision to change the defence was the game changer for the Lionesses. Alex Greenwood at left back made it impossible for Chasity Grant to work any magic down the channel. Jess Carter was able to settle into the game from the central defence, composing herself and playing her role to a higher standard.

Not only did the defence face major improvements, but England’s attacking threat doubled through the admission of Ella Toone. The midfielder was electric in Zurich, measuring her press while offering the Lionesses an exciting edge going forward. Toone reaped the rewards of a fantastic performance in the 67th minute, slotting home a strike to give England the 4-0 lead.

Netherlands don’t pack a punch

Despite an early tournament victory against Wales, the Dutch side were toothless against England. Head coach Andries Jonker got it all wrong, allowing England to own the midfield territory and attempting to play in and behind in the same way that France did.

The Netherlands lack pace going forward, meaning the ball in and behind allowed Hannah Hampton all of the free reign in the world to play simple football out the back. The game plan also meant that their best asset in Vivianne Miedema was left out on an island in hopes that she could work a miracle.

Not only did the Dutch display their weaknesses, but they played the entire fixture into the hands of the English.

Oranje army got less than they deserved after unwavering support

If there was one positive that came out of the fixture for those in the Netherlands, it was that their support in Switzerland is the pick of the bunch. The Oranje Leeuwinnen fans showed up in numbers, following a lion-clad bus through the streets of Zurich all the way to the Stadion Letzigrund.

But whilst the fans danced and hollered to ‘Links Rechts’, the players were torn apart from all angles on the pitch.

Hannah Hampton brings a new dimension to England

Despite an early misstep that saw her swing and miss a back pass inside of the area, the Lionesses number one was instrumental in England’s victory.

A dagger ball through the Netherlands last line to find Russo is something that not all goalkeepers can see, let alone execute. Hampton’s ball playing skills are a vital asset to this England side, and a big part of why Wiegman wants her between the goal posts.