The English Lionesses roared back into contention at Euro 2025 with a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands in Zurich. This dominant performance reignited their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages after an initial setback against France. Lauren James spearheaded the attack with a brace, while Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone added to the scoreline, showcasing a significant improvement from their previous match.
Following the win, players and manager Sarina Wiegman emphasized the team's renewed focus and determination, coining the phrase "proper England" to encapsulate their revitalized spirit. This victory wasn't just about the scoreline; it was about rediscovering the core values and playing style that define the Lionesses.
Player Reactions: Defining "Proper England"
Ella Toone highlighted the team's unwavering belief in their abilities, despite external criticism. She stated that the team paid no attention to doubters and focused on translating their talent onto the pitch. Toone emphasized the relentless pressure they applied from the start, maintaining intensity throughout the game. She expressed pride in their performance and hoped to carry this momentum into their next fixture against Wales.
Lucy Bronze echoed Toone's sentiments, with Alessia Russo providing further insight into the meaning of "proper English" football. According to Russo, it signifies a commitment to hard work, unwavering unity, and dominance on the ball. She emphasized that the team aimed to return to these fundamental principles, which represent their DNA. Russo noted the team's relentless effort from the first minute to the last, their dominance in winning possession, and their clinical finishing. She even suggested that they could have scored more, highlighting the team's ambition and attacking prowess.
Wiegman's Perspective: Purposeful Play and Tactical Adjustments
Sarina Wiegman confirmed that the "proper England" phrase originated within the squad to describe their desired mentality. She traced its origins back to a previous match against Portugal, where a draw was followed by a game against Spain, where the team displayed exceptional togetherness and fighting spirit.
Wiegman elaborated that while these qualities are crucial, "proper England" also encompasses purposeful play when in possession. She emphasized the importance of passes having a clear objective, which she felt was evident in every pass during the match against the Netherlands.
Wiegman's tactical decisions proved pivotal in securing the victory. She strategically shifted Lauren James to the right wing, introduced Toone to strengthen the midfield, and swapped Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood in defense. These adjustments were designed to exploit the space behind the Netherlands' high defensive line. Wiegman explained that the intention was to bypass the Dutch press and capitalize on the space in behind, leading to several dangerous crosses and attacking opportunities.
Overcoming Adversity and Maintaining Focus
England entered the match against the Netherlands knowing that a defeat would severely jeopardize their chances of progressing in the tournament. Wiegman acknowledged that the loss to France had been difficult to process, but she maintained faith in her team's ability to bounce back.
She admitted to feeling tense ahead of the game, recognizing the importance of securing a win to stay in the tournament. Despite acknowledging the Netherlands as a formidable opponent, Wiegman focused on her responsibilities: reviewing the previous match, identifying areas for improvement, and finding ways to bring the team together.
Key Takeaways from England's Resurgence
- Mental Fortitude: The Lionesses demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming the disappointment of their opening match defeat.
- Tactical Flexibility: Wiegman's strategic adjustments proved crucial in exploiting the Netherlands' weaknesses.
- Team Unity: The players' emphasis on togetherness and shared values underscores the strong bond within the squad.
- Clinical Finishing: The team's improved finishing in front of goal was a significant factor in their dominant victory.
- Renewed Confidence: The win has undoubtedly boosted the team's confidence as they look ahead to their remaining group matches.
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