England demolish Wales to set up Sweden quarter-final

“I think we’re in a good place,” Sarina Wiegman said of this 6-1 win over Wales. That might not just apply to the performance.

- MIGUEL DELANEY

Although this was the biggest win of Euro 2025 so far, the victory that might have been most significant for England on the night was perhaps in Basel. France’s 5-2 comeback win against the Netherlands ensured Wiegman’s team finished second, to go into what looks like the more forgiving side of the draw.

Sweden of course offer a very tough quarterfinal — especially after their own statement display against Germany ~ but there’s no Spain there. It’s much less open. The cheers that greeted the announcement of second place said enough.

Wiegman wouldn’t be drawn on any of that, refusing to speak on the luck of the draw. “In tournaments, it’s really tricky to think we want to go that way... you just try to win every game.”

England’s win pretty much emphasised that she doesn’t allow that kind of thinking.

Although it was seen as an almost foregone conclusion that they would claim the victory that would put them through the group, there was no hint of complacency. There was only a side that seemed intent on laying another marker, making a huge stride after downing Netherlands 4-0.

England were ahead after just 13 minutes, Georgia Stanway scoring a penalty after she was brought down by Carrie Jones. It could have been even earlier, too, except the decision went through a lengthy VAR check.