Euro 2025: Day Eight Analysis and Opinion

Defending champions England responded to a disappointing opening defeat with a resounding victory over the Netherlands while France continued their charge with a four-goal haul of their own over Wales

England reminded the rest of Europe they won’t give up their crown quietly as a Lauren James brace helped the Lionesses to a dominant 4-0 win against 2017 champions Netherlands, while France were also in the goals again, putting four of their own past Wales, despite Jess Fishlock writing more history for Rhian Wilkinson’s side.

Lauren James was in top form against the Netherlands. Image: James Baylis / Sportimage

---

An annual subscription is now available for just £15 throughout the duration of Euro 2025, celebrating the latest major tournament in the women’s game.

Take advantage by clicking the button below and not just gain yourself access to the full preview below, but all WFC’s Euro 2025 content, plus everything to come across the next 12 months!

---

England went back to basics - plus showed their depth

You could write a whole monologue here about how below par the Netherlands were in this one, but it would be unfair not to also put a chunk of it down to how well England played, a world away from the performance against France.

Ellen White put it quite simple and blunt after the game, England were not as good France, but they were the better than the Dutch, and both results showed that. But they went back to what they’re good at, utilised their width, pace, energy, movement and overall attacking threat to dismantle the Dutch defence, and it could have been more.

Lauren James had a big influence once again, scoring twice, and while Alessia Russo’s radar may have been off centre on the night, she registered three nights in an all-round selfless performance.

I mentioned the other night how impressive France’s depth had been off the bench and it’s hard not to think it will be one of England’s strengths the further they go. James and Russo started with Lauren Hemp and Ella Toone, while Aggie Beever-Jones, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead and Grace Clinton came off the bench, with Jess Park and Michelle Agyemang off the bench.

The heavy win now gives England a great chance to qualify, likely as group runners-up rather than winners, but it’s at least kick-started a tournament which could have been over otherwise.