It was elation for Netherlands and France and disappointment for England and Wales on matchday four of Women’s Euro 2025.
Group D brought all of the action with six goals and two victories as France, England, Netherlands and Wales made their entrance to Euro 2025.
Saturday evening saw the Netherlands provide tournament debutants Wales with a harsh reality check before France stole an impressive victory over title holders England in Zurich.
Miedema magic as Netherlands start of Euro 2025 with a win
What started as a cagey affair ended in a rout as Netherlands flew past Wales 3-0 in the opening fixture of Group D. The Welsh side were set up well, in hopes otmnullfiying the threat of the Dutch attack.
However, the inevitable Vivianne Miedema did what she does best, sending her defender one way then the other before curling a world class strike across the face of goal and into the top right corner. The goal is Miedema’s 100th goal for the Netherlands, none of which have been penalties, making her the only player across both men’s and women’s to achieve such milestone.
Goals from Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts closed off the encounter in Lucerne, but Wales can pat themselves on the back for a strong opening half in their debut major tournament.
Lacklustre Lionesses left with a mountain to climb
Title holders England were all but ready to defend their crown at Euro 2025 as a stumbling 2-1 loss to France leaves the Lionesses with plenty of work to do if they are to progress beyond the group stages.
Sarina Wiegman’s side started strong in Zurich, placing pressure on the French defence and controlling the tempo. However, when Alessia Russo’s opening goal was disallowed due to Beth Mead being offside in the build up, all came crashing down for the English.
France were electric, exploiting England’s defence and orchestrating an well-timed press. Delphine Cascarino was the one to watch as she smoked down the right wing, providing Katoto with an assist on a silver platter for the opener. England’s matters were made worse just four minutes later as Sandy Baltimore dominated Chelsea teammate Lucy Bronze for skill before firing a thundering strike into the top right corner.
It seemed to be one-way traffic from there as France showed Euro 2025 what they are made of. That was until Sarina Wiegman finally woke up, bringing on Chloe Kelly, Niamh Charles, Ella Toone, Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang. England looked hungry once more, and Keira Walsh managed to grab one back with a strong strike into the top corner.
However, the short burst of energy wasn’t enough to salvage the game for the Lionesses as they stare down the barrel of an early exit if they are to lose to the in-form Netherlands squad on Wednesday.
The Halfway OnLine
Vivianne Miedema, take a bow.
England fans doing football right.
How many times have you watched this goal? Me: yes.
Look away, England fans.
Thoughts?
