Preview: Netherlands test key to England’s chances at the Euros
The Lionesses are back in action at Euro 2025 on Wednesday evening, faced with having to get a result against the Netherlands just to stay alive in the tournament.
By Jamie Spencer
Must-Win
England were second best for the majority of their opening fixture against France and a second defeat against the Dutch would spell an unfathomable early elimination for the defending champions with a game still to play.
Even a draw would leave the Lionesses with an uphill battle and not in control of their own destiny when it comes to reaching the knockouts – on top of winning their own final game against Wales, they would likely have to rely on the other result in the group.
For the Netherlands, a win gets them through – thanks to what would be a superior head-to-head record against Wales and England – and takes the pressure off their next game against France.
Head-to-Head
There have been 23 encounters since a first meeting in 1973, with England winning 14 of those. Four have been draws and the Dutch have won five times.
The Lionesses won the most recent clash in December 2023, in the UEFA Nations League, coming from 2-0 down to claim a 3-2 victory in stoppage time at Wembley Stadium. But the Dutch had won 2-1 in the reverse fixture just a few weeks earlier.
Recent Form
England only lost three of the first 39 competitive fixtures played under Sarina Wiegman, now it’s three defeats in the last four.
The Netherlands enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Wales on matchday one that saw Vivianne Miedema score her 100th international goal – Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova and Barcelona’s Esmee Brugts got the others. But coming into the tournament, they had been frustrated by Scotland (1-1) and thrashed by Germany (4-0) in their two previous competitive games.
Fresh Energy
Wiegman defended her team selection against France, which featured 10 players who were part of the Euro 2022-winning squad from three years ago. “I don’t have regrets. We try to turn every stone before we make the lineup,” she said after the defeat, but equally hasn’t ruled out making changes.
There is a clamour for Michelle Agyemang to get more of an opportunity. The teenager scored a stunner 41 seconds into her senior debut in April and had an impact in a short cameo against France. Her uncompromising style and fearlessness already commands respect from her teammates.
Grace Clinton also impressed briefly against France, while Maya Le Tissier, Jess Park and Aggie Beever-Jones all have attributes that could improve what was a stale performance last time out.
Team News
All 23 players again trained for England on Tuesday, which had been the case before facing France. Lauren James is building fitness all the time, a significant boost given that they she was the player who looked more likely than any other to make something happen last time out.
There should be plenty of familiarity with the Dutch squad for most of the Lionesses, with more than half (12) of the squad playing their club football in England last season. But that works both ways. “I already know a lot of those girls,” right-back Kerstin Casparij said.
Prediction
The Lionesses started well and finished well against France, it was 70 minutes in the middle that was the problem. They need to be better. The Dutch aren’t as polished all over the pitch as the French, but still possess huge threats and will take confidence from both their own victory over Wales and the nature of England’s opening performance: England 2-2 Netherlands.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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