Euro 2025 daily newsletter: Day nine
Lionesses bounce back in style, Wales' first ever Euros goal, and the final round of games in Group A
England are back! The tension was sky-high among fans leading up to their match against the Netherlands following defeat to France. The Lionesses came out swinging, looking determined, and they delivered. It was a true team effort, with every single player on the pitch playing a significant role in creating opportunities and preventing shots on goal.
There is still plenty to play for in Group D, with no team officially qualified for the knockout stage and the top two from a high-quality section to be decided by the final round of matches.
Results
England 4 Netherlands 0
One sign of a world-class team is recognising weaknesses and responding with purpose - and that is precisely what England did. Sarina Wiegman’s side looked transformed from the France game. A switch to a 4-3-3 formation paid off, with Ella Toone excelling on the right of midfield, Alex Greenwood steadying things at left-back and Jess Carter looking more comfortable locking down the centre of defence.
There were far more crosses and balls into the box, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s stunning long pass for Alessia Russo was essentially an assist in the buildup to Lauren James’s opening goal. James and Georgia Stanway added two more by following up on rebounds, showing the kind of persistence that was missing against the French. Toone capped it off with a well-taken fourth after a third assist from Russo. It was, in Wiegman’s words, “an incredible response.”
If I were placing bets for the next match, I’d back Russo finally to score a goal after creating so many chances for herself (and having two goals ruled out by VAR) in the opening two games.
France 4 Wales 1
France cruised to a 4-1 win over Wales, another victory which keeps them at the top of the table. Goals from Clara Mateo, Kadidiatou Diani, Amel Majri, and Grace Geyoro underlined their attacking depth.
But the night wasn’t without a landmark moment for Wales, who registered their first goal at a major tournament - and it only seems right that captain and veteran Jess Fishlock was the one to make history. Her goal levelled the score at 1-1 and, after a tense VAR check overturned an initial offside call, sparked celebrations for the Welsh team and fans. In order to progress, Rhian Wilkinson’s side would have to beat England by four goals or more and hope that Netherlands lose to France in the final matches.
News
Welsh goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel is believed to have become the first woman of South Asian heritage to start at a European Championships. A historic moment for women’s football
Jess Fishlock became the oldest goalscorer in Euros history at 38
Aggie Beever-Jones made her first appearance at a major tournament for England
Prince William, patron of the Football Association, was in attendance for England’s match against the Netherlands
Sophie Ingle came on as a substitute for Wales, her first appearance in nearly 12 months after suffering an ACL injury
What’s on today
Finland vs Switzerland - 20:00 BST- Stade de Genève, Geneva
Norway vs Iceland - 20:00 BST- Arena Thun, Thun
The final round of group-stage matches commences today - it’s officially crunch time, so both games in each group will take place at the same time to ensure fairness. While that promises drama elsewhere, the focus in Group A will be on the battle for the second qualifying place.
All eyes are on Finland and Switzerland, who go head-to-head for the right to join Norway in the quarter-finals. Switzerland need only to avoid defeat as they currently sit just ahead on goal difference, and the hosts will be counting on a partisan crowd to get them over the line. Norway have already secured their last-eight spot and will be looking for a third win in a row against Iceland, who will be heading home after the group stage.