🏆 England and Wales Face Euro 2025 Survival Battles Ahead of Home Nations Clash
When England and Wales were drawn together in Group D of Euro 2025, fans circled the fixture as a potential highlight. But after both teams suffered opening defeats, the anticipated showdown could turn into a dead rubber—unless both sides bounce back in their second matches.
With England set to face the Netherlands and Wales taking on France on Wednesday, their tournament lives hang in the balance.
If both teams lose, early elimination becomes a harsh reality before they even meet in their final group-stage match.
⚔️ England vs Netherlands – Must-Win for the Lionesses
Defending champions England go head-to-head with Euro 2017 winners Netherlands, and a second consecutive defeat would see the Lionesses eliminated—if Wales fail to beat France.
Despite England’s 2-1 loss to France in their opener, history offers hope: England have never lost back-to-back matches under manager Sarina Wiegman.
“We’re our own biggest critics. We know we weren’t good enough, but we’ve bounced back before,” said striker Alessia Russo.
Wiegman, who previously coached the Netherlands to their 2017 title, admitted the clash is a “final” for her team.
“It’s must-win,” she said. “We’ve experienced that pressure before—we’ll give everything to get the result.”
🧮 Group D Tiebreaker Rules
If teams are level on points after three games, head-to-head results will determine who progresses.
This means every goal and every point is crucial—particularly for teams like England and Wales, who are already playing catch-up.
🟥 Wales vs France – Time to Deliver or Exit Early
For Wales, defeat to France would end their Euro journey. The Dragons must rally from a disappointing first match and find a way to contain one of the tournament’s favourites.
🤝 Wiegman vs Jonker: A Clash of Old Friends
The England-Netherlands game brings a personal twist: Sarina Wiegman and Andries Jonker, her Dutch counterpart, have been close friends for three decades.
“She won’t panic,” Jonker told BBC Sport. “She’s experienced and will handle it. But I still want to win—just like she does.”
🧠 What’s at Stake?
If either team loses and the other doesn’t win, their Euro 2025 dream ends. It’s a massive night in Switzerland, and both nations know only a victory will keep hope alive for the home nations clash to matter.
