**Wiegman Delivers ‘Proper England’ Performance at Euro 2025**
In the arena of women’s football, the stakes are often as high as the expectations. With the Euro 2025 tournament unfolding, England faced a significant challenge following a disappointing 2-1 loss to France. The loss not only placed pressure on the defending champions but also drew scrutiny from various quarters regarding their capabilities. However, England’s coach, Sarina Wiegman, managed to turn the tide, leading her team with an impressive comeback performance against the Netherlands, ultimately securing a vital victory that has breathed new life into their title defense.
Wiegman, who has an established reputation for leading England to back-to-back major tournament finals, was under mounting pressure after the defeat to France. Acknowledging the need for a turnaround, she emphasized the importance of focusing on the task at hand. “I always knew ahead of this tournament that it was a very hard group,” Wiegman remarked, indicating the determination required to navigate through tough opposition.
Following the match against the Netherlands, which England won decisively, the team displayed a fluidity and creativity reminiscent of the “proper England” that midfielder Georgia Stanway described. Their performance was characterized by a strong defensive strategy and adept positional changes, showcasing Wiegman’s tactical acumen. Her decisions, particularly concerning player roles, paid off handsomely; England not only reclaimed their defensive solidity but also converted opportunities into goals.
Key players like Keira Walsh and Alessia Russo became the driving force behind the team’s resurgence. Walsh stressed the importance of acknowledging their previous shortcomings against France, stating, “We wanted to put it behind us and do our talking on the pitch.” Russo ranked this match among the exemplary performances, emphasizing that it involved hard work and a concerted team effort. Her impressive contribution included three assists during the game, marking a historical moment as she became the first player since 2013 to achieve such numbers in a single match at the women’s Euros.
The tactical progression under Wiegman’s guidance involved significant adjustments, such as moving Lauren James to a wing position and starting Ella Toone in a central role, which proved instrumental in maximizing offensive threats while maintaining defensive integrity. Even changes in the defensive lineup, switching Jess Carter to central defense with Alex Greenwood taking up the left-back position, were pivotal in securing their first clean sheet of the tournament.
As England moved forward in their campaign, the focus shifted to their qualifying chances for the quarter-finals. With qualification expectations riding high, Wiegman remained diplomatically cautious, underscoring the enormous implications of each match outcome. The challenging path ahead included a decisive game against Wales, where securing a win would solidify their shot at advancing deeper into the tournament.
The overall narrative surrounding the team is one of resilience and adaptation. Despite the earlier defeat, players are optimistic about what lies ahead, and they understand the importance of sticking together and performing cohesively under pressure. As Lucy Bronze articulated, the team’s versatility is a notable strength, allowing them to adapt and overcome challenges as they arise.
The coming games will be essential in determining whether this resurgence is sustained and whether England can recapture the form that led them to lift the Euro 2022 trophy. With Wiegman at the helm, managing both the game and player development, and with a squad resoundingly committed to teamwork, fans of the England women’s football team have reason to feel hopeful. The journey in Euro 2025 is far from over, and if the recent performance is any indication, the road ahead may lead to continued success.
