England 4 Netherlands 0: James' magic moment, Stanway's stunner and Lionesses back on track

In a performance that defied recent anxieties and truly announced their return to form, England’s Lionesses delivered a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands, breathing vital new life into their Euro 2025 qualification campaign. Under immense pressure following a patchy start to their group stage, Sarina Wiegman’s side responded with a display of ruthless efficiency and exhilarating individual brilliance, reminding everyone why they are European champions. The scoreline not only secured three crucial points but also provided a significant boost to their goal difference, a factor that could prove decisive in a tightly contested group.

At the heart of England’s attacking resurgence was the prodigious talent of Lauren James. Her "magic moment" arrived with a strike of clinical precision, opening the floodgates and settling early nerves. But it was far more than just a goal; it was a testament to her growing influence and ability to unlock stubborn defences. Throughout the match, James was a constant menace, her dazzling footwork and incisive passing creating numerous opportunities. Her interplay with the likes of Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly carved open the Dutch backline repeatedly, showcasing a fluidity and attacking cohesion that had been conspicuously absent in previous outings. This was James operating at the peak of her powers, dictating the tempo and providing the creative spark the Lionesses desperately needed.

While James provided the initial thrust, Georgia Stanway delivered the "stunner" that epitomised England's renewed confidence and attacking prowess. Her long-range effort, struck with power and precision, left the Dutch goalkeeper with no chance, serving as a emphatic statement of intent. It was a goal that encapsulated the team's collective desire to dominate and score from all areas, highlighting the depth of quality within Wiegman's squad. Beyond the individual brilliance, England's defensive solidity was equally impressive, nullifying the Dutch threat and ensuring a clean sheet. The midfield, anchored by Stanway and Keira Walsh, exerted control, winning crucial battles and distributing the ball with purpose, allowing the forwards to flourish. This comprehensive team effort, marrying individual flair with collective discipline, was the hallmark of a side rediscovering its championship pedigree.

This emphatic win is far more than just three points; it's a psychological reset for the Lionesses. Having faced criticism and questions about their consistency, this performance against a formidable opponent like the Netherlands serves as a powerful declaration of intent. It puts England firmly "back on track" for Euro 2025 qualification, reminding their rivals of the formidable force they can be. The confidence gained from such a dominant display will be invaluable as they navigate the remaining fixtures in a challenging group. For the fans, it was a timely reminder of the Lionesses' potential and a promise of exciting times ahead, as they look to build on this momentum and secure their place at the European Championship.