As the pressure rises in Group C of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, England face the Netherlands on Wednesday, July 9, in what could be a make-or-break clash for the reigning European champions. After a shaky start and a 2–1 defeat to France, Sarina Wiegman’s squad must regroup, refocus, and deliver a statement performance—or risk early elimination.
Here’s everything you need to know before the crucial match.
📍 Match Details
- Fixture: England 🇬🇧 vs Netherlands 🇳🇱
- Date: Wednesday, 9 July 2025
- Kick-off Time: 8:00 PM (UK Time)
- Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland
- Broadcast in UK: BBC One & BBC iPlayer
🇬🇧 England: A Champion Under Pressure
England came into the tournament as one of the favourites, but a 2–1 loss to France has exposed cracks in the Lionesses’ setup. With injuries still affecting squad depth and midfield control lacking in the opener, Wiegman now faces her toughest group stage test yet—against her former team.
🔎 What Went Wrong Against France?
- Lack of midfield control: England were overrun centrally
- Injury woes: No Leah Williamson, no Fran Kirby, no Millie Bright
- Struggled defensively: France took advantage of poor marking on set pieces
- Questionable decisions: Key players were benched too long, including Grace Clinton
Despite those concerns, Lauren Hemp’s goal was a reminder of England’s threat in transition.
🔑 What Must Change?
🔁 Midfield Reinforcement
Calls are growing for Grace Clinton to start in midfield to help win back control. Keira Walsh has looked overwhelmed trying to anchor the midfield alone.
🛡️ Defensive Reshuffle
With Millie Bright ruled out for the group stages, Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood need to tighten positioning. Communication at the back must improve to handle Dutch forwards.
🧠 Mentality Reset
Wiegman must now draw on her deep experience to inspire a bounce-back. England have quality—but they must find belief.
🇳🇱 Netherlands: Quietly Confident
The Dutch are entering the match with momentum, after a narrow but well-managed win in their last outing. With Vivianne Miedema slowly regaining form after returning from a long injury layoff, the Netherlands look increasingly dangerous.
💥 Key Threats:
- Vivianne Miedema – Top scorer in the history of Dutch football, sharp in and around the box
- Jill Roord – Midfield engine and long-shot specialist
- Damaris Egurrola – Breaks up play and starts counters quickly
They play with speed, width, and confidence—making them a real threat to England’s back line.
🔢 Group C Standings (Before the Match)
| Team | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 6 | +2 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 3 | +1 |
| 🇬🇧 England | 0 | -1 |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | 0 | -2 |
If England lose, they’re out of the tournament. A draw may not be enough. Only a win gives them control heading into the final matchday.
🔮 Expert Prediction
The Netherlands have looked more fluid and confident so far, but England’s desperation and tournament experience could tilt the balance—if they sort out their midfield.
🧠 Predicted Score:
England 2–1 Netherlands
Expect goals, high drama, and possibly extra time-level intensity even in the group stage.
🗣️ What They’re Saying
Sarina Wiegman (England Head Coach):
“We’ve been here before—backs to the wall. But this group knows how to respond. We’re not done yet.”
Andries Jonker (Netherlands Head Coach):
“England are wounded, but dangerous. We must be ready from the first minute.”
📖 Sources:
- The Guardian – Women’s Euro: England must fix midfield to survive
- UEFA – Official Fixtures & Standings
- BBC Sport – England Euro 2025 Analysis
⚠️ Disclaimer: This preview is for informational purposes only and reflects opinions based on available public information. The Breadline Bulletin does not guarantee match outcomes or statistical accuracy. Refer to UEFA and licensed broadcasters for live updates and official decisions.
✅ What’s Next?
Stay tuned for our post-match recap right after full-time, featuring:
- Player ratings
- Tactical breakdown
- Group qualification implications
Let us know if you’d like a printable match-day guide or a live update blog template for future games!
