Time for Wiegman to change her line-up? England know they must beat the Netherlands to keep Euros hopes alive | OneFootball

England know they have to bounce back in a must-win game against the Netherlands in their second clash of Women’s Euro 2025.

The Lionesses suffered their first ever Euros defeat under boss Sarina Wiegman in a crushing 2-1 loss to France in their opening game of the tournament. The loss in Zurich marks the first time in history that a defending Euros champion has lost the opening match of the group stages.

They now stare down the barrel of an immediate group stage exit if they fail to clinch three points against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The Dutch kicked off their campaign with an easy 3-0 victory over Wales, meaning a victory against the Lionesses will put them through to the knockouts.

The fixture has an added narrative in the fact that Wiegman will go head-to-head with her home nation.

Here is all you need to know ahead of England’s must-win clash…

Should Wiegman change her starting eleven?

It has become clear over recent months that when Wiegman has decided on a way of doing things, she is rarely going to budge.

The defeat against France displayed worrying signs that have been coming, after recent defeats to Spain and Belgium in the UEFA Women’s National League. Wiegman’s selection consistency has possibly made it easier for opposition teams to figure out the Lionesses.

The England boss will need to help her side rediscover their threat again and she certainly has the squad players to do so. Netherlands do not impose the same pacey and physical threat as France, meaning England will be in a more comfortable position to play their own style of football.

Game changer and Chelsea starlet Aggie Beever-Jones could be one to watch on Wednesday, as her style of play looks perfectly suited for the occasion and she has been in fine form of late.

The threat of the Dutch

It is no secret that the Netherlands boast a large amount of exceptional talent in their squad. They play a brand of football quite similar to England, preferring to have control of the ball and are patient in their build up.

Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema scored her 100th goal for the Dutch in the opening game against Wales, making her the all-time top goalscorer for the nation across both men and women. Her threat will be paramount if her side are to progress through the group.

Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova was also on the scoresheet for the Netherlands in their opening game victory, and will certainly be one that the Lionesses must keep an eye on in the central area.

21-year-old Esmee Brugts will bring a fast-paced energy to the Dutch flanks, meaning that England must work to avoid the full-back problems that they faced against France.

Jill Roord brings height to the Dutch midfield, something that England certainly lack in the central areas. Chelsea young gun Wieke Kaptein is a threat, as well as Man City defender Kerstin Casparij.

Key battles in England vs Netherlands

Hannah Hampton vs Daphne van Domselaar: The battle of the best between the sticks, both goalkeepers will have a big role to play for their side on Wednesday.

Leah Williamson vs Vivianne Miedema: Former Arsenal teammates, these two know each other well. Williamson will need to keep a close eye on Miedema, who has a tendency to use her intelligence to float in and around the box and find space.

Lauren Hemp vs Kerstin Casparij: Taking a break from being Manchester City teammates, Hemp and Casparij will be a battle worth watching. Hemp should beat Casparij for speed, but the Dutch defender will know all of the tips and tricks to nullify the English forward.

As it stands: All of Group D’s possible outcomes

If England are to lose to the Netherlands, and France are to beat Wales elsewhere in Group D, that will see the Lionesses automatically eliminated from Euro 2025 after just two matches.

If England and France both lose, England will still be able to progress into the knockouts if they beat Wales by a superior goal difference, and Netherlands defeat France on match day three.

If England win on Wednesday, they will need to beat Wales in order to qualify for the knockout stages. England will just need a point against Wales if France are to defeat the Netherlands on match day three.

If England and Netherlands draw and France beat Wales, England will need to beat Wales and hope that France defeat the Dutch on match day three.

Lastly, if England win and France lose against Wales, the Lionesses will be in position to qualify on match day three as long as they defeat the Welsh.