France let the Group of Death simmer before exploding.
Their 2025 Women’s Euro opener against England ended 2-1, but it was the follow-ups that truly defined them.
A dominant 4-1 win over Wales showcased their layers of attack, with Kadidiatou Diani converting a penalty and Grace Geyoro sealing the win, while Jess Fishlock struck a historic goal for Wales.
But their masterpiece came in the 5-2 demolition of the Netherlands. Trailing at halftime, a halftime pep talk sparked Delphine Cascarino into life.
She set up the equaliser and then scored twice as the French ramped up defensively and mentally, securing top spot and stamping their class on the group.
Germany await them in the quarter-finals.
England Answer Their Critics With Authority
England arrived under pressure with a 2-1 loss to France, but responded with fury and finesse.
A 4-0 win over the Netherlands reintroduced them as contenders, Lauren James grabbing headlines with a brace, and Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone adding to the hurt.
The reigning champions topped their game against Wales with a stunning 6-1 win.
Every forward found their mark – Stanway from the spot, Hemp and Russo adding variety, Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones sealing the demolition, leaving Wales with only a late consolation.
That performance confirmed Sarina Wiegman’s team as a genuine force again, setting up a blockbuster quarter-final against group C winners Sweden.
Netherlands Collapse Under Pressure
The Dutch entered Group D as former champions, but their momentum crumbled.
They opened with a respectable 3-0 win over Wales, but their defence buckled against the reigning champions’ power and France’s intensity.
After falling 4-0 to the English, they capitulated to a 5-2 thrashing by the French.
Despite a bright first-half showing, individual errors under pressure and a second-half breakdown sealed their fate.
This early exit is a stark reminder that pedigree alone doesn’t shield you from the abyss.
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Wales Finish With Heads Held High in Women’s Euro Debut
Wales came in as debutants, underestimated but not overawed.
They struggled to contain each team, and lost all three games – but not without moments of genuine pride.
Jess Fishlock etched her name into their history books, scoring Wales’ first-ever goal at a major tournament against the group winners, and later Hannah Cain grabbed a consolation against Wiegman’s side.
Wales may not have advanced, but they showed grit and progression, signalling this is only the start.
The Verdict: Grit, Class and What Comes Next
Group D delivered its promise at the tournament: drama, power shifts, and emotional crescendos.
France topped the group with ruthlessness and depth, England roared back with conviction, the Netherlands bit into heavy questions about a fall from grace, and Wales walked out respected and hopeful.
The quarter-finals will be a test of intent and identity.
France vs Germany looms as a clash of styles, while the reigning champions’ game against Sweden promises fireworks in Zurich.
Netherlands and Wales head home, already shaping the chapters ahead.
Group D has shown us character, adaptation and the fine margins that define these elite tournaments. And if this stage was any hint, the 2025 Women’s Euro is far from predictable.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / DeFodi Images
Recording Date: 05.07.2025