England's Euro 2025 Campaign at Risk: Stanway Admits Underperformance Against France

Midfielder Georgia Stanway has openly acknowledged that England 'underperformed' in their 2-1 defeat to France in the opening match of Euro 2025. Despite the setback, Stanway insists there is 'no crisis' but emphasizes the need for a strong response in their upcoming game against the Netherlands.

Key Points:

• Underperformance Acknowledged: Stanway admitted that both the team and individual players, including herself, did not meet expectations during the match against France.
• Critical Match Ahead: England must secure a win against the Netherlands to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. A loss, coupled with a French victory over Wales, would eliminate the defending champions.
• Historical Context: Stanway revealed that Lucy Bronze reminded the team of their 2015 Women's World Cup campaign, where they also lost their opener but reached the semi-finals.

Stanway's Call to Action:

Stanway expressed her frustration with the current situation and her desire to let their performance on the pitch do the talking. 'It's time that we focus and we want to put things right on the pitch in order for us to be able to talk,' she said. She emphasized the importance of returning to England's traditional style of football, characterized by tough tackles and resilience.

Looking Forward:

England faces a formidable Netherlands team, managed by their former coach Sarina Wiegman. The Dutch team, having won Euro 2017, presents a significant challenge. Stanway and her teammates are determined to prove their worth and advance in the tournament.

Conclusion:

Despite the disappointing start, England remains focused on turning their campaign around. The match against the Netherlands is crucial, and the team is prepared to fight for their place in Euro 2025. True fans, as Stanway noted, will continue to support them through this challenging period.