The Chelsea star stole the show with a brace while further goals from Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone helped the defending champions seal an emphatic win
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England bounced back from Saturday's historic loss to France with a statement win over the Netherlands on Wednesday, romping to a 4-0 result which keeps their European Championship title defence alive.
There was plenty of reason to criticise the Lionesses after their opener, with Les Bleues controlling the majority of the game and dominating in a manner that their 2-1 victory didn't reflect, but Sarina Wiegman's side hit back with a fantastic display under the highest pressure in their second outing, avoiding a defeat that would've sent them crashing out of the tournament after only two games.
Knowing that even a draw would take their destiny out of their own hands, England were on the front foot from the word go, with Lauren Hemp putting Manchester City team-mate Kerstin Casparij under the cosh down the left and delivering crosses that both Lauren James and Alessia Russo might've done better with. The opening goal, though, came from all the way back in the Lionesses' own box, as Hannah Hampton threaded a beautiful pass through for Russo in behind the Dutch defence, and she teed up James to find the back of the net with a powerful hit.
Despite taking the lead, England never took their foot off the pedal, and Georgia Stanway doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time with a sweet strike from the edge of the box. James then made it three on the hour and Ella Toone added a fourth not long after, as the Lionesses consistently dissected the Dutch defence.
After the doubts created by the France defeat, this was a reminder that England are a serious contender for the Euro 2025 title, with their spot in the quarter-finals now able to be secured with victory over Wales on Sunday.
GOAL rates England's players from Stadion Letzigrund…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Hannah Hampton (8/10):
Her distribution was exceptional, as best evidenced by the pass to Russo in the build-up to the opener. Didn't have many saves to make, but was alert to anything in her area.
Lucy Bronze (7/10):
Got up and down the pitch well, rarely exposed down her side, and battled brilliantly.
Leah Williamson (7/10):
Settled into the game nicely after a couple of iffy moments early on. Rarely troubled by Miedema.
Jess Carter (7/10):
Looked so much more comfortable in the central role she plays consistently at club level.
Alex Greenwood (7/10):
Was a better fit at left-back than any other option, with the Netherlands not getting much joy at all down that side.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Keira Walsh (8/10):
Much more influential and very tidy on the ball.
Georgia Stanway (8/10):
Battled well, looked after the ball and scored a terrific goal to double the lead.
Ella Toone (8/10):
Brought more solidity to the midfield, winning possession back plenty, and got the goal her hard work deserved.
Getty Images SportAttack
Lauren James (9/10):
Was magical throughout, with her ability to get into goal-scoring areas and create for others.
Alessia Russo (8/10):
Didn't get a goal despite several chances, but that shouldn't overshadow her great hold-up play and movement off the ball, which helped her provide a hat-trick of assists.
Lauren Hemp (8/10):
Caused Casparij problems all evening and delivered great end product.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Chloe Kelly (5/10):
Replaced James with 20 minutes to go but didn't see much of the ball as the game wound down.
Beth Mead (N/A):
Came on to see the game out in the latter stages.
Grace Clinton (N/A):
Introduced at the same time as Mead, to ensure the energy levels didn't drop in midfield.
Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):
Gave Russo a well-deserved rest in the final few minutes.
Niamh Charles (N/A):
On for Bronze in the closing stages.
Sarina Wiegman (9/10):
Every change she made to the team from the France game was perfect: The defence looked so much better with Greenwood on the left and Carter central, the midfield was much more solid with Toone in there rather than James, and the latter was able to thrive in a wide role. This was a perfect example of why she is the best manager in international women's football right now.
