England 4-0 Netherlands: Lauren James scores double in must-win game

England answered their critics with a thumping 4-0 win against the Netherlands in a crucial Euros 2025 match, as Lauren James scored twice.

It was a night and day performance from their insipid defeat to France on Saturday. England were facing a must-win clash against the Netherlands, with a defeat almost certainly knocking the holders out of the Euros after just two games.

They looked like a team with a point to prove, dominant from the opening minute, appearing balanced and energetic, and harrying the Netherlands at every turn. Essentially, the Lionesses did to the Netherlands what France did to them at the weekend.

James had come under the spotlight having been included in the England squad for Euro 2025 despite not playing since April due to a hamstring injury. Some questioned if she should start at all in Zurich.

But James soon showed why Sarina Wiegman backed her again, this time on the wing as Ella Toone came in as the No 10. It was a stunning strike to open the scoring, rifling the ball home with power after being found by Alessia Russo.

Georgia Stanway doubled England's lead in first-half injury time with a similarly brilliant goal, hit low and hard past Daphne van Domselaar from range.

The Netherlands' best spell came at the start of the second half after a triple substitution, but Russo thought she had spoiled the party as she nodded home five minutes after the break.

However, Leah Williamson was offside in the build-up and the goal was ruled out by VAR, with Russo now having goals disallowed in successive games.

But soon after James slotted home England's third following some horrible defending from the Netherlands. Ella Toone's shot rebounded into her path and the Chelsea star coolly finished from close range.

It was then Toone's turn to find the net, assisted by her best friend, Russo. She picked up the ball from the Arsenal striker, riding a challenge from Victoria Pelova before squeezing the ball home. While Russo did not come away with a goal, she did pick up two assists.

The win moves England to the top of group D ahead of France's meeting with Wales in St Gallen on Wednesday night, and has given their chances of reaching the quarter-finals a huge boost.

The Lionesses face Wales in the final game of the group on Sunday.