England Keeps Euro 2025 Hopes As Lauren James Scores Twice

England got the defense of its UEFA Women’s Euro title firmly back on track with a 4-0 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday, thanks to a Lauren James double.

England vs. Netherlands UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Highlights | FOX Soccer

James showed precisely why she had been selected despite not having played for more than two months when the squad was announced in June because of injury. The Chelsea forward was at the heart of England’s attacks and scored a sumptuous opener in the 22nd minute before netting her side’s third on the hour mark.

Georgia Stanway doubled England’s lead on the stroke of halftime and Ella Toone wrapped up the result in the 67th.

It was a far more positive performance from the Lionesses than against France, when they became the first titleholders to lose their opening match at a women’s Euros. The manner of that defeat was as disappointing as the result, which left England facing possible elimination if it lost to the Netherlands and France avoided a shock defeat against Wales later Wednesday.

England had some royal encouragement with Prince William in the crowd to watch the Lionesses win. Prince William, who is first in line to the British throne, is president of the English Football Association. He is a fervent Aston Villa supporter and is often to be seen at the club’s matches as well as those of the England team – both men’s and women’s.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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