England manager Sarina Wiegman hailed her side’s “incredible response” as the Lionesses bounced back from defeat in their opening Euro 2025 match with a dominant 4-0 victory over the Netherlands.
A Lauren James brace, Georgia Stanway strike and Ella Toone finish ensured England’s hopes of defending the crown they won in 2022 remained alive with a commanding result in Zurich.
Against the country of her birth, Wiegman masterminded a much-improved performance from the one shown in the 2-1 loss to France on Saturday.
Heart and desire ❤️
A tremendous performance and result for the #Lionesses tonight 🙌 https://t.co/JJpC0g4LqV
— England (@England) July 9, 2025
Defeat against her native nation would have almost certainly meant Wiegman’s side would progress nom further in the tournament. As it is, the result gives a major boost to England’s chances of qualifying from the so-called ‘group of death’.
They go into their final group game against neighbours and tournament debutants Wales knowing a win should be enough to see them safely through to the knockout stages.
Asked what pleased her most about the victory, Wiegman told the BBC: “The response of the team after the France game. How we came together and how we played on the pitch.
“I am very happy with the score because that’s a massive help and goal difference can make a big difference.
“The execution of the game plan really helped. We did really well and I am really proud of the team.
“We are not there yet but this is an incredible response.”
While the Lionesses boss was thrilled with the result, she admitted that such a resounding scoreline was not something she thought would happen.
“I would not expect 4-0. Absolutely not,” said Wiegman.
“First of all you want to win and you have to win. When you win by more than two goals then you are in the best position going into the Wales game. So, yeah, all just very good tonight.”
England take on Wales in St Gallen on Sunday, with kick-off at 20:00 UK time.
