Sarina: 'An incredible response!'

England head coach Sarina Wiegman reflected on a good night’s work as the Lionesses got their first win at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, after beating the Netherlands by 4-0.

Following their opening-game defeat to France on Saturday, Wiegman and her team knew they had to win this match to give themselves a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

And the Lionesses put in a impressive performance, as goals from Lauren James and Georgia Stanway put them in control at half time before James added her second and Ella Toone made it 4-0 in the second half.

“The response of the team after the France game, how we came together, how we played on the pitch now, so of course I am very happy with the score because that is a massive help because goal difference can make the difference,” said Wiegman.

“Not just how we played, but also in the days coming into this game, how we came together and looked in each other’s eyes and said 'what do we need to do?'.

“And the execution of the game plan, I think really helped. I thought the Netherlands were struggling to keep up the level, so we just did really well.

“When we were in the game right before half time, you could feel they were struggling and we really wanted to get the second goal.

“That is easier said than done of course and then G [Georgia Stanway] had a shot and it was very, very good for us that we go into half time at 2-0.

“I am really proud of the team and we are absolutely not there yet, but this is an incredible response.”

With the Netherlands having never conceded more than two goals in a major tournament game previously, England shattered that record and Wiegman admits the final scoreline surprised her.

“I wouldn’t have expected 4-0, absolutely not,” she added.

“First of all, of course, you want to win, and you have to win and if you can win with more than two goals, then you know you’re almost in the best position going into the Wales game. It was all very good tonight.”

Wiegman made changes to the team from Saturday’s game as well as her team’s set-up, and while there was an improved performance, she also knows the two games should be treated separately.

“It did look like a more balanced team, but also, of course, you are playing a totally different opponent who want to be on the ball too,” she explained.

“I think the France game and the Netherlands game now are hard to compare but today at least, it did look very much like a balanced team.

“We talked about playing at our best, about the game plan, how can we exploit spaces and how can we win the game.”