Lauren Hemp Backs Lionesses for Must-Win Dutch Showdown

Lauren Hemp believes England can turn Euro 2025 qualifying around despite a painful defeat to France, with the attacker insisting Sarina Wiegman’s side “live for these pressure moments” ahead of Friday’s crunch meeting with the Netherlands.

Lauren Hemp insists pressure fuels England’s Euro push

Lauren Hemp wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room when she faced the media at St. George’s Park. England’s 2-1 loss to France in Newcastle left the reigning European champions in third place, three points behind the Netherlands and level with Wales. “We’re disappointed, of course,” Hemp admitted, “but tournaments and qualifiers are built on how you respond. This group responds.”

What went wrong against France?

Wiegman’s side started brightly, yet a quickfire brace from Kadidiatou Diani overturned Beth Mead’s opener. Hemp, operating from the left flank, threatened repeatedly but rued England’s profligacy. “We created enough to win two games,” she said, “but the margins are razor-thin at this level.” A lingering worry is England’s vulnerability on set pieces; both French goals stemmed from second-phase deliveries, exposing aerial frailties that the Dutch will surely target.

The Dutch danger

Led by Vivianne Miedema, the Netherlands cruised past Wales 3-0 to seize top spot. Their fluid 4-3-3 mirrors England’s preferred shape, setting up an intriguing tactical chess match. Hemp singled out Miedema and winger Lieke Martens as “world-class threats” yet stressed England’s own firepower: “Our front line—myself, Beth, Alessia—can hurt anyone if we’re brave.”

Key battles where Lauren Hemp can shine

Down the left channel, Hemp will likely square off with Dutch right-back Victoria Pelova. With her explosive first step and low centre of gravity, Lauren Hemp excels at isolating full-backs before darting inside. England’s analysts have urged quicker ball circulation to free the Manchester City star earlier in transitions. Expect diagonal switches from Georgia Stanway to release Hemp into one-v-one scenarios.

Midfield control could decide everything

Keira Walsh’s return to full fitness is timely. France overran England in midfield once Walsh tired, but a fresher engine room featuring Stanway and Ella Toone should offer the structure for Hemp to remain higher up the pitch. “If we win second balls, Lauren and Beth get more touches in dangerous zones,” Wiegman explained.

Defensive tweaks after French setback

Against France, the Lionesses’ back line often drifted too deep, compressing space for Hemp and Mead to exploit. Assistant coach Arjan Veurink has trialled a higher defensive line in training to sustain territorial dominance. Captain Leah Williamson, returning from long-term injury, said: “A few metres further forward changes everything; it keeps Lauren Hemp closer to goal.”

“We thrive under pressure” – the Lauren Hemp mindset

The winger’s calm demeanour belies her 23 years. Since breaking into the senior setup at 17, Lauren Hemp has amassed over 50 caps, scored decisive goals at Euro 2022, and played a starring role in the 2023 World Cup final run. She credits sports psychologist Dr. Kate Hays for instilling coping mechanisms. “Visualisation, breathing exercises—small things that make a huge difference when 60,000 fans are roaring,” Hemp noted.

The St. George’s Park response plan

Monday’s recovery was followed by a brutally honest video session. Players openly critiqued positioning errors; Hemp welcomed the candour: “If you tip-toe around issues, you don’t improve. We were blunt, we were honest, and now we’re focused on solutions.” Double sessions on Tuesday honed pressing triggers, while Wednesday emphasised set-piece defence—areas that must hold firm against the Oranje Leeuwinnen.

History on England’s side?

England hold a narrow head-to-head edge over the Netherlands, winning five of the last nine meetings. In April’s pre-tournament friendly, Hemp struck the equaliser in a 1-1 draw in Utrecht, exploiting space behind the Dutch high line. “Knowing you’ve scored against them gives confidence,” she smiled.

How a victory reshapes the group—and Lauren Hemp’s legacy

Qualification rules state that group winners progress directly to Switzerland 2025, while runners-up face a perilous play-off route. A win would haul England level on points with the Netherlands and restore momentum before June’s return fixture in Rotterdam. Beyond the mathematics, another trademark display from Lauren Hemp would reinforce her growing reputation as the Lionesses’ clutch performer.

Predicted XI vs. Netherlands

• Mary Earps (GK)
• Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, Niamh Charles
• Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway
• Beth Mead, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp
• Alessia Russo

Kick-off details

England vs. Netherlands takes place at Wembley Stadium on Friday at 19:45 BST, broadcast live on ITV1 and streamed on ITVX.

Short opinion

England may have stumbled against France, but the squad’s blend of experience and fearless youth—epitomised by Lauren Hemp—should inspire faith. Win on Friday, and the narrative flips from crisis to resurgence overnight.