Media caption,

England defeat Netherlands to get title defence back on track

England recovered from defeat in their Euro 2025 opener to crush the Netherlands and revive their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Chelsea forward Lauren James, moved out wide following criticism of her side's midfield set-up in the loss to France, scored twice as the defending champions cruised to victory.

Her opener came after just 22 minutes, as she drilled the ball into the right corner from the edge of the box after a stunning long-range pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in the build-up.

Sarina Wiegman's side were back to their slick best, defending well and winning the ball in midfield, as they coolly controlled proceedings in Zurich.

Georgia Stanway, who was disappointed with her performance against France, redeemed herself with a powerful strike to double England's lead in first-half added time and celebrated with her arms outstretched.

James capped off an entertaining display with her second on the hour mark when she pounced on the rebound from Ella Toone's saved effort, before Manchester United's Toone got on the scoresheet herself in the 67th minute.

The Lionesses were under pressure to win after falling behind in Group D - widely considered the toughest group in the tournament - and they could have added to their tally, but Alessia Russo's header was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

The Netherlands barely threatened and will have work to do to qualify when they face France in their final game on Sunday, while England will fancy themselves against the lowest-ranked nation Wales.

What was the main talking point?

Media caption,

England 'not there yet' but Wiegman proud of team

England's midfield was torn apart against France with their defensive frailties on show and individual mistakes punished.

Stanway gave the ball away on countless occasions in Saturday's 2-1 defeat and there were question marks over whether James' free role left them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

Wiegman was also questioned on her decision to start the 23-year-old, who is undoubtedly one of the world's most talented players, in the number 10 role ahead of Toone.

So when the Lionesses boss chose to start James out wide against her home nation, the Netherlands, there was intrigue to see whether the same issues would arise.

Simply put, they didn't.

England's structure was far more effective, albeit against a Dutch side with less pace than the French, and Toone provided more stability as James was given a licence to roam.

A bright start gave the Lionesses confidence and they built momentum, quickly stamping their authority and showing the 'proper England' Stanway had promised before the game.

The Bayern Munich midfielder also won her early duels and was more effective on the ball in Zurich and rewarded for her efforts with her side's second goal.

Concerns that the holders would exit in the group stage have been quietened as they head into their final group match knowing victory over Wales will confirm their place in the last eight.

Which players stood out?

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'The goals say it all' - James and Stanway react to England win

James showed glimpses of magic in the opening 15 minutes of England's tournament opener, but this was a real display of her world-class talent.

Aside from her two goals, she tracked back well and provided support for full-back Lucy Bronze, as well as linking up nicely with fellow attackers Lauren Hemp and Russo.

Still building up to full fitness, having only returned two weeks ago from a hamstring injury that kept her out for four months, James was at her electric best.

She came off in the second half to a standing ovation, a resounding roar from the England fans and warm applause as she walked around the stadium to return to the dugout.

It was also a solid display from defender Jess Carter, who had also struggled in the defeat by France, and Toone, who was brought into the team for her first start at a Euros.

What are the standout stats?

James has been directly involved in more goals than any other European player across the last two major tournaments (five goals, three assists).

With a speed of 101.93 km/h and a spin rate of 5.85 rotations per second, her first strike against the Netherlands was the most powerful finish recorded in the tournament so far.

Since Stanway's England debut in November 2018, only Beth Mead (34) and Ellen White (26) have scored more goals for the Lionesses than her 23, which is level with Russo.

Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema had just eight touches in the first half.

Before today, the Dutch had never conceded more than two goals in a single match at a major women's tournament.

Media caption,

'Beautiful' strike from Stanway doubles England lead

What's next for both teams?

England take on Wales in St. Gallen on Sunday at 20:00 BST in their final group-stage match, knowing they will progress to the quarter-finals with victory.

The Netherlands face France at the same time in Basel, with both teams still able to qualify.

Player of the match

Number: 7 L. James
Average rating 9.14
Number: 7 L. James
Average Rating: 9.14
Number: 23 A. Russo
Average Rating: 8.87
Number: 11 L. Hemp
Average Rating: 8.45
Number: 10 E. Toone
Average Rating: 8.40
Number: 8 G. Stanway
Average Rating: 8.14
Number: 1 H. Hampton
Average Rating: 7.94
Number: 5 A. Greenwood
Average Rating: 7.81
Number: 2 L. Bronze
Average Rating: 7.73
Number: 4 K. Walsh
Average Rating: 7.60
Number: 6 L. Williamson
Average Rating: 7.51
Number: 18 C. Kelly
Average Rating: 7.38
Number: 16 J. Carter
Average Rating: 7.34
Number: 9 B. Mead
Average Rating: 7.25
Number: 14 G. Clinton
Average Rating: 7.05
Number: 19 A. Beever-Jones
Average Rating: 7.03
Number: 3 N. Charles
Average Rating: 6.82

After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users.

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