Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses Roar Back to Life

Sarina Wiegman and her England Lionesses were staring down an early Euro 2025 exit only a few days ago, but a ruthless 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands in Zurich has flipped the script and reminded Europe exactly why this team are reigning continental champions.

Sarina Wiegman’s Tactical Shake-Up Pays Instant Dividends

Critics wondered whether Sarina Wiegman had gone one change too far when she shuffled her line-up after the 2-1 loss to France. Instead, the Dutch coach delivered a masterclass. Jess Carter, restored to her natural role in central defence, looked instantly calmer. Alex Greenwood slotted in at left-back with the assurance of a player who began her career there, allowing England to build from deep with balance. Most tellingly, Ella Toone’s energy alongside Keira Walsh stiffened the midfield shield, freeing Lauren James to terrorise Dutch full-backs from the wing. Every switch was purposeful, every combination rehearsed, and the Lionesses flowed as a cohesive unit for the first time this tournament.

Lauren James Leads the Charge

The Chelsea starlet was irresistible, scoring twice and assisting once while showcasing the swagger that has many tipping her for future Ballon d’Or honours. James drifted intelligently, exploiting half-spaces then driving at exposed defenders. Her opener—a curled finish from 20 yards—settled nerves; her second, a sliding back-post conversion, sucked the life from Dutch resistance. When James clicks, England look capable of beating anyone.

Russo the Relentless Creator

Alessia Russo did not add to her personal goal tally, yet her hat-trick of assists underlined why Sarina Wiegman trusts the Arsenal striker implicitly. Dropping between the lines, she linked play, pinned centre-backs and still found time to slip precise passes for James and Beth Mead. It was a clinic in unselfish forward play.

Hannah Hampton Stakes Her Claim

With Mary Earps retired and Ellie Roebuck injured, goalkeeper was touted as a problem area. Hannah Hampton answered emphatically. The Aston Villa No.1’s distribution repeatedly bypassed the Dutch press, sparking counters that caught orange shirts square. A full-stretch save from Vivianne Miedema at 2-0 preserved momentum and further justified Wiegman’s faith.

England Lionesses Display Steel and Unity

Whispers of disharmony swirled after Earps’s shock international retirement and Millie Bright’s decision to step away. However, the body language in Zurich screamed togetherness: huddles before kick-off, constant communication between the lines, and celebrations that involved every outfield player sprinting to the scorer. The attitude reflected Sarina Wiegman’s mantra—control the controllables and trust the process.

The Numbers Behind the Revival

• 65% possession underlines England’s command.
• 19 shots to the Netherlands’ 6 shows attacking intent.
• 90% pass accuracy in the final third speaks to composure.
• 0 big chances conceded after half-time illustrates defensive solidity.
Every metric tells the same story: Sarina Wiegman’s side imposed their football and never allowed the Dutch to breathe.

But the Job Is Not Finished

Sarina Wiegman was the first to downplay the hype in her post-match briefing. The Lionesses still need three points against a spirited Wales outfit who pushed France all the way. Victory secures quarter-final passage; anything less could open the door to late drama in this so-called group of death. Expect minimal rotation—momentum is a currency Wiegman rarely gambles with.

Potential Selection Dilemmas

• Does Chloe Kelly regain her starting berth after Beth Mead’s lively cameo?
• Can Georgia Stanway force her way back into midfield after Toone’s starring role?
• Will Rachel Daly be used as an impact striker or emergency full-back?
Healthy headaches, perhaps, but the type managers relish.

How the Rest of Europe Reacted

Spanish and German outlets admitted the “champions are awake.” Dutch media criticised Andries Jonker’s reactive tactics, while French pundits noted England’s pressing triggers resembled the ferocity seen under Wiegman’s Netherlands tenure in 2017. The takeaway across the continent: underestimate Sarina Wiegman at your peril.

Winners & Losers

Winners: Lauren James, Hannah Hampton, Ella Toone, Sarina Wiegman’s reputation.
Losers: Dutch full-backs, Vivianne Miedema’s golden boot hopes, pre-match sceptics.

Sarina Wiegman’s Mastery in Context

The coach has now taken charge of 57 England matches, losing just three competitive fixtures. Her hallmark remains adaptability: whether deploying back-threes at the World Cup or the 4-2-3-1 that choked the Netherlands, Sarina Wiegman tailors systems to both opponent and squad form. That flexibility will be vital if England reach the knockouts, where Spain, Germany or Sweden could lie in wait.

The Road Ahead

Quarter-finals: likely against the Group C runner-up.
Semi-finals: potential clash with hosts Switzerland or Germany.
Final: July 27, Berlin’s Olympiastadion—the stage where legacies are forged.
Sarina Wiegman will not look that far, of course, but fans are already plotting routes on social media.

The Verdict

England’s emphatic comeback is no accident; it is the product of Sarina Wiegman’s clear vision, meticulous preparation and unwavering faith in her players. The Lionesses may still stumble, yet if they do, it will not be for lack of tactical sophistication or mental grit.

Opinion: Momentum in tournament football is fragile, but performances like this create seismic shifts. With Sarina Wiegman pulling the strings and Lauren James blossoming into a global star, England suddenly feel inevitable again. Rivals beware—the champions are purring at precisely the right time.