England’s route to the Euro 2025 final has been confirmed after the defending champions booked their place in the knockout stages with a 6-1 win over Wales.
The Lionesses needed a victory in St Gallen, Switzerland on Sunday evening to guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.
England began the defence of their Euros trophy in unconvincing circumstances as they were beaten by Group D rivals France.
But Sarina Wiegman’s side responded with an emphatic 4-0 win over Netherlands before dismantling local rivals Wales.
Sitting 25 places above Wales in the world rankings, England were heavy favourites ahead of their final group game and proved far too good for their neighbours.
The Lionesses led 4-0 at half-time thanks to Georgia Stanway’s early penalty and goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Beth Mead scored England’s fifth after the break but Wales were able to limit the damage and even scored only their second goal of the tournament through Hannah Cain.
But England added a sixth late on through Aggie Beever-Jones as Wiegman’s side cruised to an emphatic victory and condemned Wales to a bottom-place finish in Group D.
Despite England’s victory, France’s 5-2 win over Netherlands means the Lionesses only finish second in Group D and will face Group C winners Sweden in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
If England get past Sweden, they will face the winner of Norway vs Italy in Geneva on Tuesday 22 July.
Euro 2025 quarter-finals
Sweden vs England
Norway vs Italy
France vs Germany
Spain vs Switzerland
England’s possible route to Euro 2025 final
Quarter-final: Sweden v England (July 17, Zurich)
Semi-final: Norway or Italy (July 22, Geneva)
Final: France, Germany, Spain or Switzerland (July 27, Basel)
Basel’s St. Jakob-Park hosts the 2025 European Championship final on July 27. Pre-tournament favourites Spain are among the teams on the other side of the draw.
England goalscorer Toone said: ‘We were really good. It is always hard to play against a team that sits in a low block.
‘It was nice we got an early goal in the first half and we enjoyed the game.’
On England’s quarter-final against Sweden, Toone added: ‘It is going to be a difficult game.
‘We watched them the other night and they were really good. We need to be on our best game. I think they should be scared!’
England boss Wiegman added: ‘Sweden are always a team, they’re always very powerful, they have speed up front on the counter-attack.
‘It is a hard team to beat. They have done well in the group. We will see and we will get ready. Recover from this one and then we go again against Sweden in Zurich.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: What time does England vs Wales start? Women’s Euros TV channel and team news
MORE: Liverpool consider £40m bid to sign England star ahead of Arsenal
MORE: England vs Wales Women’s Euros kick-off time, TV channel and live stream
