They arrived at the Euros as champions – and finally looked like champions again.
Where the Lionesses were sloppy in the opening defeat to France, they were sublime against the Netherlands.
A 4-0 thrashing put England’s European title defence right back on track when early elimination was a real possibility.
And while two goals were scored by Lauren James, along with one apiece from Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone, Alessia Russo shone with three assists.
“After the France game, we looked at ourselves a lot as individuals and how we can all be better and obviously within the team,” Arsenal Champions League winner Russo said.
“I think that going into this game we wanted to start with that, setting our own standards high on and off the ball and we definitely did that.
“I think when that’s our standard as a team, then the sky’s the limit.”
From being on the brink, they’re now back on track.
Lauren James grabbed a brace. Pic: Reuters
But it’s how to deal with pressure that pleased England manager Sarina Wiegman, having admitted she felt a “little tension” going into the clash with her home country on Wednesday.
“There are always things going well and not going well and we don’t make it a disaster,” she said.
There is still a quarter-final to qualify for, which could require beating Wales on Sunday.
Now their neighbours only have pride to play for after being on the brink of elimination – unless they can improbably win at least 9-0 and hope France beat the Netherlands.
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Of course, expectations were much lower for the Welsh at their first major tournament.
But there was still a memorable moment in losing 4-1 to France. The equaliser that gave a flicker of hope came from Jess Fishlock, the holder of the country’s appearance and goal records.
So something for the Lionesses to be wary of in their British showdown in Switzerland on Sunday.
Russo said: “We’ll work hard, we’ll work until we can’t run anymore, we stick together.”
