Sarina Wiegman's return to her homeland didn't go to plan as the 2023 Women's World Cup runners-up succumbed to a late goal in Utrecht
England succumbed to a late and dramatic defeat to the Netherlands on Tuesday night in a result that blows their UEFA Women's Nations League group wide open, with Renate Jansen's thunderous 90th-minute winner ensuring an unsuccessful return home for Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman.
England struggled to get into the game in Utrecht and the Dutch got their deserved lead just after half time. Jackie Groenen blocked Georgia Stanway's clearance and it ricocheted right into the path of the seemingly offside Danielle van de Donk, but the flag stayed down and she picked out Lieke Martens, who curled the ball into the top corner.
England could've been level at the break, Rachel Daly hitting the post with a snapshot effort in the box before both Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze were denied by the impressive Daphne van Domselaar. But the Dutch might've been 2-0 up, too, with Lineth Beerensteyn striking the woodwork.
Wiegman would see her England side equalise in the second half after a change of shape, with Alessia Russo reacting well to Georgia Stanway's blocked shot to finish into the top corner. However, it was the Netherlands that won it late on, Alex Greenwood's uncharacteristic error presenting Jansen with the chance to race through and fire the ball into the top corner in the last minute of the 90.
GOAL rates England's players from Stadion Galgenwaard…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Mary Earps (7/10):
Good stop in the first half to deny Dijkstra and an even more impressive one to thwart Pelova in the second. Couldn't do anything about the two goals.
Jess Carter (6/10):
Did well to neutralise the pace of Beerensteyn in the first half. Moved to left-back when England changed shape after the break and limited Pelova as best she could.
Millie Bright (6/10):
Some poor moments on the ball, one of which nearly presented the Dutch with a big chance before half time. Strong in the air.
Alex Greenwood (5/10):
Not as assured on the ball as usual, as illustrated by the huge error late on that led to the Netherlands' winner.
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Lucy Bronze (5/10):
Found it difficult to contain Brugts and couldn't be an attacking threat.
Katie Zelem (5/10):
Battled well and recovered possession a lot but struggled on the ball.
Georgia Stanway (5/10):
Never got fully involved. It was her blocked clearance that led to the Netherlands' opener.
Ella Toone (5/10):
Another who couldn't get into the game, though not for a lack of effort.
Rachel Daly (4/10):
Struggled massively against Pelova and, like Bronze, couldn't get forward much either. Subbed off at half time.
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Alessia Russo (7/10):
Didn't get much of a look at goal in the first half, a glanced header from Hemp's cross aside, but finished brilliantly to equalise after the break.
Lauren Hemp (6/10):
Had a handful of big chances but found Van Domselaar in her way each time. Should've done better with her opportunity in first half, but shot straight at the goalkeeper.
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Chloe Kelly (6/10):
Replaced Daly at the break and moved onto the wing as England changed shape. Made a difference.
Lauren James (N/A):
Came on for the final 10 minutes but couldn't get into the game.
Sarina Wiegman (5/10):
Facing a team that was well-versed in a back three for the first time since switching England to one, this was a big test for Wiegman and her new system and it didn't go particularly well. The Lionesses struggled massively in midfield, forcing the coach to change shape at the break. It was a necessary decision and improved England's fortunes, but questions can be asked again about the lack of, and lateness of, Wiegman's subs as the team fell to defeat.