The England Lionesses delivered a commanding performance at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, thrashing Wales 6-1 in their final Group D match at Arena St. Gallen to secure their place in the quarter-finals. The reigning champions showcased their attacking prowess, with a ruthless first half setting the tone for a dominant victory that sets up a tantalizing last-eight clash with Sweden.
Under the stewardship of manager Sarina Wiegman, England bounced back from an opening group stage defeat to France with a performance that underlined their credentials as title contenders. The Lionesses, who won the 2022 tournament on home soil, demonstrated their depth and quality, with six different players contributing to the score line in a match that highlighted their attacking fluidity and clinical finishing.
A Ruthless First Half Sets the Tone
England wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Georgia Stanway opening the scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after a VAR review spotted contact from Wales’ Carrie Jones on the midfielder inside the box. The Bayern Munich star made no mistake, firing her effort past goalkeeper Olivia Clark to set the tone for the evening. Stanway’s penalty marked her 10th successful spot-kick for England, a testament to her composure under pressure.
Eight minutes later, Manchester United’s Ella Toone doubled England’s lead with a clinical finish. After her initial effort was blocked, Toone reacted quickest to fire the rebound into the roof of the net, showcasing her sharpness in the attacking third. Toone’s influence didn’t stop there; she turned provider in the 30th minute, delivering a pinpoint cross for Lauren Hemp to head home her first goal of the tournament. Just before the break, Toone linked up with her close friend Alessia Russo, who slotted in England’s fourth to cap a devastating first-half display.
The four-goal haul in the first 45 minutes marked only the fourth time in Women’s Euro history that a team has led by four or more goals at half-time, with England also achieving this feat in their 8-0 rout of Norway in 2022. The Lionesses’ relentless attacking play left Wales struggling to cope, as Chelsea’s Lauren James ran rings around the Welsh defense, earning a standing ovation when substituted in the second half.
Second Half: Substitutes Shine, Wales Find Consolation
While the second half saw England take their foot off the gas slightly, the introduction of substitutes Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones ensured the Lionesses maintained their momentum. Mead, coming off the bench, made an immediate impact, jinking past Josephine Green to slot home England’s fifth in the 72nd minute. Beever-Jones then marked her first major tournament goal with a well-taken header in the 89th minute, nodding in a precise cross from Mead to complete the rout.
Wales, competing in their first-ever major tournament, managed a consolation goal through Hannah Cain in the 76th minute. The strike, assisted by a superb pass from Jess Fishlock, was a moment of pride for the debutants, who have inspired a generation despite their elimination after three group stage defeats. Fishlock, a standout performer for Wales, led by example with her tireless work rate and creativity, though it wasn’t enough to stem the tide against a rampant England side.
Key Performers and Tactical Brilliance
Ella Toone was the standout performer, earning praise for her goal, assists, and ability to drift into dangerous positions. Her connection with Russo, both on and off the pitch, was evident, with the Arsenal striker describing their “nice connection” in a post-match interview. “Playing with Tooney, we have such a good connection. Obviously, she is my best mate – on the pitch we have a nice connection too!” Russo said, reflecting on her first goal of Euro 2025.
Keira Walsh, named Player of the Match, was instrumental in England’s counter-pressing and fluid attacking play. “We just wanted to go out there, be confident and score some goals, and it was a really fast start from the team,” Walsh said. Her ability to connect the defensive line to the forwards was pivotal in England’s dominance.
Lauren James also shone brightly, with her world-class talent on full display before her substitution in the 59th minute. Defenders Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson provided stability at the back, while Hemp’s pace and directness troubled Wales throughout. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, despite a shaky moment with a misplaced pass to Fishlock, made a crucial save to deny Angharad James in the first half.
For Wales, Jess Fishlock’s leadership and assist for Cain’s goal were highlights in an otherwise challenging evening. The Welsh fans, who turned out in thousands, created a vibrant atmosphere, but their team’s inexperience at this level was evident against a seasoned England side.
England’s Historical Dominance and Quarter-Final Prospects
The 6-1 victory marked England’s ninth win in 11 meetings with Wales, underlining their historical dominance in this fixture. The Lionesses’ 10 goals across their last two group stage games (following a 4-0 win over the Netherlands) make them the first team to score 10 or more goals in three Women’s Euro group stages (2017, 2022, 2025).
England now face Sweden in the quarter-finals in Zurich on July 17, a repeat of their 4-0 semi-final victory at Euro 2022, where Russo’s iconic backheel goal stole the show. However, Sweden, who topped Group C with a 4-1 thrashing of Germany, pose a formidable challenge with their quick wingers and experienced midfield. Russo remained optimistic, stating, “One game at a time, but we’re feeling positive as a camp.”
Wales’ Legacy and the Road Ahead
For Wales, the tournament has been a landmark moment despite their elimination. Their first major tournament appearance has galvanized women’s football in the country, with thousands of fans traveling to Switzerland to support Rhian Wilkinson’s side. “This group of players have inspired a whole generation,” a Welsh reporter noted. “The legacy of their achievement will be seen in the progress across all levels of the women’s game in Wales for years to come.”
A Statement of Intent from the Lionesses
England’s emphatic performance against Wales sends a clear message to their rivals: the Lionesses are here to defend their crown. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents like Beever-Jones, Wiegman’s side is peaking at the right time. As they prepare for a tough test against Sweden, the Lionesses’ new mantra of “proper English” – a nod to their gritty, determined style – will be put to the test.
For now, England fans can revel in a performance that showcased the depth, quality, and ambition of this Lionesses squad. With the knockout rounds looming, the defending champions are ready to climb the summit of European women’s football once more.
