4 months Ago
Lauren James Steers England to a Commanding Win
Two goals in each half and a double from Lauren James secured victory for the holders. England came out strongly, with James going close with an early header and Alessia Russo misfiring after another opportunity. The opener came in the 22nd minute as Russo ran clear of the Dutch defence to tee up James, who took her time before steering the ball beyond Daphne van Domselaar.
The Netherlands never looked comfortable, and only a long shot from Jill Roord briefly kept their hopes alive. The second came just before half-time, when City were denied a clear foul on the offside position and a fought-over free-kick resulted in a low shot from Georgia Stanway finding its way in at the near post making it 2-0 and delivering a heavy psychological blow to the Dutch side.
Coach Andries Jonker conceded that the timing of England’s goal was crucial. “It was 1-0 at the break and we could have adapted, but that second goal destroyed us,” he said. In the second half we played better, and then they scored again. “These are the things that you can’t have happen.”
Netherlands Tweaks Don’t Alter the Result
Jonker made three changes at halftime, replacing Lineth Beerensteyn, Caitlin Dijkstra, and the veteran Sherida Spitse, making her 246th appearance. Chasity Grant and Roord supported Vivianne Miedema, who had just scored her 100th international goal, in a three-woman forward line, with Victoria Pelova dropping into the midfield. Daniëlle van de Donk missed out with an injury.
The ultimate domination was England’s after the break. While a Russo goal was disallowed for offside the Dutch did briefly get on the front foot, with Grant putting in a dangerous cross. But another counterattack fizzled out with James scoring her second of the night, which effectively sucked the wind out of Dutch momentum.
Miedema made way for Van de Donk soon after. Ella Toone netted the final goal, converting a pass from Russo by firing past Van Domselaar. A late save from Van Domselaar kept out Keira Walsh for what would have been a fifth for England.
Dutch Now Must Top France to Survive
For this resounding defeat means that the Netherlands will now have to defeat France in their final group match — and most probably by some distance — unless Wales can spring a surprise. Jonker told his side that they needed to reorganise as soon as possible. “It’s vicious, but we can’t do anything, and we must forget this disappointment and play a very good game against France.
The result leaves the Dutch on the brink of an early exit, and England going into the last of three group stage matches with momentum.
