England advance on a high with thrashing of Wales

Six Lionesses on target in 6-1 win as Sweden await in quarter-finals for Group D runners-up

Ella Toone of England celebrates with teammate Lauren James after scoring her team’s second goal against Wales | Credit: Photo by Maja Hitij – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

From Kybunpark, St Gallen

England secured their place in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals with a comfortable 6-1 win over Wales in the final night of action in Group D. That result, coupled with France’s chaotic 4-2 win over the Netherlands, means that the Lionesses advance as runners-up in Group D.

Sarina Wiegman’s side were dominant from start to finish with five different names on the scoresheet. The only frustration will be the failure to keep a clean sheet as Hannah Cain scored a joyful consolation goal for Wales in the 76th minute of the game.

That Wales goal, scored right in front of the raucous ‘Red Wall’, came from Jess Fishlock picking up the ball in Wales’ own half and driving forward 30 yards before playing in a rushing Cain on the left side of the box. Cain’s sliding finish into the top-right corner of the goal didn’t change Wales’ Euros fate, but it gave their fans a moment to celebrate.

It was an unfortunate penalty that allowed England to break the deadlock only 13 minutes into the game. Referee Frida Klarlund had initially given a free kick when Georgia Stanway was fouled on the edge of the box, but just as Lauren James and Alex Greenwood were standing over the ball and waiting to take the free kick, the foul was reviewed by VAR and a penalty was awarded.