England's women's football team is preparing for a crucial match against Wales in their final Group D fixture at Euro 2025. Despite the historical rivalry, Sarina Wiegman, England's manager, insists it doesn't add extra pressure on her team. England needs a win to secure a spot in the quarter-finals after recovering from an initial loss to France with a strong victory over the Netherlands.
The Lionesses have a solid record against fellow home nations in major tournaments. They defeated Scotland at Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup and Northern Ireland at Euro 2022. England has never lost to Wales in ten encounters, winning nine and drawing one, scoring 37 goals and conceding just two.

Wiegman remains focused on her team's strategy rather than the rivalry. "We have our own preparations and we know what is on the line," she stated. "We will do everything to win the game and get through." She hopes for a game where England controls possession, avoiding turning it into a physical battle.
Wales, without any points so far, still clings to faint hopes of advancing. They need a significant victory over England and hope for a Dutch loss to France. Angharad James, Wales' captain, expressed determination: "The pressure is all on England. They have to perform. We believe we can upset a very top team."
James emphasised the deep-rooted rivalry: "As a Welsh woman, do you want to knock England out? Of course you do. It's in our blood and in our DNA." Despite their slim chances, Wales aims to disrupt England's tournament progress.
England has been dominant in group-stage matches at major tournaments, winning 15 of their last 16 games. Their last failure to advance past the group stage was at Euro 2013. This track record boosts confidence as they face Wales.
Wiegman shares her understanding of the rivalry but remains focused on her team's objectives: "I learned about the history and the rivalry but, again, we are focused on what we want to do and how we want to play."
As both teams prepare for this decisive match, England aims to maintain their impressive form while Wales seeks an upset that could alter their fortunes in Euro 2025.