Lauren James Must Spark England Past Netherlands

Lauren James took just 90 minutes to remind Europe why she is the Lionesses’ most devastating weapon, but turning individual brilliance into three points is now Sarina Wiegman’s toughest puzzle. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to France left England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 title defence teetering; beat the Netherlands on Wednesday or rely on favours elsewhere. The equation is simple, yet the solution depends largely on how effectively James is deployed in Berne.

Why Lauren James Holds the Tactical Trump Card

James returned from her April hamstring injury looking sharp, recording three successful dribbles, two shots on target and a game-high five progressive carries in Zurich. Her ability to glide between lines forces defenders to collapse centrally, opening lanes for overlapping full-backs and late-arriving midfielders. When Wiegman placed her wide left, France doubled up; once she drifted centrally, pockets of space appeared for Alessia Russo. Releasing James earlier, and higher, against the Dutch back three could be decisive.

Wiegman’s Selection Dilemma

The head coach must balance creativity with control. Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh anchor the pivot, but neither consistently breaks lines. Slotting James as a free No.10 would sacrifice a pure midfielder. Alternatively, a 4-3-3 with James on the left of an advanced trio allows Stanway to push forward while Walsh screens. Training-ground whispers suggest Wiegman favours the latter, banking on speed from Lauren Hemp on the opposite flank to pin Dutch wing-backs.

Targeting Dutch Vulnerabilities

Netherlands coach Andries Jonker prefers a high defensive line. Against Spain in March, gaps behind centre-backs Stefanie van der Gragt and Aniek Nouwen were repeatedly exposed. If England tempt that line upfield, James’s diagonal runs from half-space to inside-right channel can isolate the slower van der Gragt. A well-timed through-ball from Walsh or Lucy Bronze may replicate the goal James scored against China at the 2023 World Cup.

Set-Piece Threat Still Matters

While open-play dynamism grabs headlines, England’s set-piece conversion has dipped to 6% in 2024, down from 14% in the Euro-winning year. James’s whipped corners and flat free-kicks add variety; expect Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood to crowd the six-yard box. The Dutch conceded two of their last four goals from dead-ball situations—an area England can exploit.

Fitness and Game Management

James completed 70 minutes versus France and reported no soreness, yet Wiegman must monitor her load carefully. Should England secure a lead, Bethany England’s pressing or Fran Kirby’s ball retention could replace her around the hour mark. Conversely, if chasing the game, James must finish the 90 to maintain threat.

Historical Edge and Mentality

England have not lost to the Netherlands in competitive action since 2017. James was only 15 then, but her fearless mentality epitomises the new Lionesses era. She averages 0.6 goals or assists per 90 for club and country, the highest contribution rate in Wiegman’s squad. On a stage where margins are microscopic, that output could be the difference between early exit and knockout momentum.

Projected Starting XI vs Netherlands

Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Earps
Defence: Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Charles
Midfield: Walsh, Stanway, Toone
Attack: Hemp, Russo, James

The Road Beyond Berne

Victory keeps England masters of their destiny before the final group game against Wales. A draw hands control to France; defeat sends the reigning champions home. With Spain, Germany and Sweden lurking in later rounds, Wiegman cannot afford a slow-burn performance. The plan must centre on early ball circulation to James, forcing Dutch adjustments and freeing team-mates elsewhere.

Opinion: Let Talent Lead

Wiegman’s reputation is built on positional discipline, but extraordinary players sometimes deserve extraordinary freedom. James is that outlier—part striker, part playmaker, wholly unpredictable. Give her license to roam and England tilt the board; restrict her to touchlines and the holders risk becoming tourists. Trust the instinct, build the structure around it, and the Lionesses might just roar through Switzerland.