The roar of the Lionesses fell silent in their Euro 2025 opener, replaced by the sobering reality of a tactical system that failed to fire. A 2-0 defeat to France wasn’t just a loss; it was a performance that laid bare every pre-tournament concern held by pundits and fans alike. For a team built on resilience and tactical cohesion under Sarina Wiegman, the display was uncharacteristically disjointed. This analysis from Melbet delves into the root causes of the breakdown and explores the critical adjustments needed to salvage England‘s championship hopes.
Deconstructing a Tactical Failure
From the first whistle, England‘s game plan unraveled. The selection of a midfield trio lacking recent competitive minutes proved costly, as they were consistently overrun by France’s dynamic and physically prepared engine. The left flank, specifically, became a highway for French attacks, exposing a defensive vulnerability that had been a topic of discussion long before the tournament began.
The isolation of Alessia Russo up front meant England’s attacks fizzled out before they began, while the creative hub in the middle, centered around Lauren James, became lost in the chaos. As former England star Fran Kirby noted on BBC 5 Live, “It was very different to the Lionesses team I am used to playing in and watching.” The cohesion that defined their Euro 2022 triumph was replaced by a group of players who looked like strangers, reacting to French moves rather than imposing their own will on the game.
Where It Went Wrong: A Layer-by-Layer Analysis
The Midfield Mismatch
The core of England‘s problems originated in the center of the park. The partnership of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway, usually so reliable, was off the pace. With Stanway having played just 151 minutes of football since December, the lack of sharpness was evident. She was unable to provide her usual tenacity and creative spark, managing just one progressive pass into the final third. In contrast, Walsh, while registering 11 progressive passes, was often left to deal with multiple French players on her own.
The decision to station Lauren James as the No. 10, a role that requires constant movement and defensive awareness, backfired. James, a phenomenal talent, appeared rattled and disconnected from the play, struggling to find space between France’s organized lines.
Defensive Disarray
The goals conceded were not moments of individual brilliance but products of collective defensive failure. For the first goal, a series of errors—a giveaway in midfield, poor positioning from the left-back, a weak challenge to stop the cross, and a lack of awareness from the center-backs—culminated in a simple finish. Captain Leah Williamson fronted up post-match, telling ITV that “cheap defending one-vs-one” was costly—an honest assessment of a uncharacteristically fragile defensive performance.
The second goal further highlighted the disorganization, with a large gap opening up between the defensive line, allowing Sandy Baltimore the time and space to score.
Veteran defenders like Lucy Bronze were left pondering what went wrong after being consistently overrun by France’s attacking waves.
The Blueprint for Recovery Against the Netherlands
All is not lost for England. The group stage format offers a lifeline, but the response against the Netherlands must be immediate and decisive. Wiegman, a coach known for her meticulous planning, now faces her biggest test. Here’s what Melbet believes must change:
Midfield Reinvention
The strongest case is for the introduction of Grace Clinton. Her second-half cameo coincided with England‘s most positive spell. Clinton’s ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, operate in tight spaces, and carry the ball forward would provide the verticality that was sorely missing. Partnering her with Walsh would free the latter to dictate play from deep, her primary strength.
The role of the No. 10 must also be reconsidered. While Wiegman stated she “did not see it as a mistake,” the evidence was overwhelming. Ella Toone or the inventive Jess Park could offer more tactical discipline and connectivity between the midfield and the isolated Russo.
Attacking Partnerships
Russo cannot operate as a lone target woman without service. The relationship between Chloe Kelly and Russo that works so well for Arsenal must be leveraged. Furthermore, utilizing Lauren Hemp’s pace and directness on the left, with a more attack-minded full-back like Niamh Charles behind her, could provide the width and service needed to trouble the Dutch defense.
Melbet Predicted XI for the Netherlands Clash
Based on this analysis, a shake-up is necessary. Here is a potential XI that could restore balance and bite to the Lionesses:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Mary Earps
- Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles
- Defensive Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Grace Clinton
- Attacking Midfielders: Chloe Kelly, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp
- Striker: Alessia Russo
This setup offers more stability in midfield, utilizes proven club partnerships (Kelly-Russo, Hemp-Charles), and reintroduces a natural playmaker in Toone to unlock defenses.
Conclusion: England’s Destiny Remains in Their Own Hands
England’s Euro 2025 Wake-Up Call: What Must Change Against the Netherlands? The question has been asked, and the answers are clear. The defeat to France was a stark reminder that past success guarantees nothing. The awareness of their flaws is now evident; the job is to fix them. The depth of talent in the English squad is undeniable, and with swift tactical adjustments, hopes of progression are still very much alive. The Lionesses must now show the character and resilience they are famous for. What changes would you make to the starting XI? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
