The group phases confirmed the most effective and the worst of England as France exploited their defensive frailties and kicked them into gear for the remaining two matches.
Bruised by their opening defeat, the Lionesses vowed to do their speaking on the pitch – they usually did.
Emphatic victories towards the Netherlands and Wales adopted as they completed runners-up within the group, avoiding a heavyweight quarter-final tie with Germany within the course of, and a possible assembly with world champions Spain or hosts Switzerland within the semi-finals.
The place they completed within the group didn’t concern supervisor Sarina Wiegman – outwardly no less than – however she was happy with the “urgency” that the France loss gave them.
“That actually introduced us collectively and everybody actually wished to carry out and achieve success,” she mentioned.
“Within the Netherlands recreation, we actually created urgency and momentum by enjoying very well and to our strengths.
“With that loss, the urgency got here and I believe the crew actually responded properly. Now hopefully we are able to present that once more towards Sweden.”
England have been dominant of their wins over the Netherlands and Wales, scoring 10 objectives within the course of, and displaying a few of their greatest free-flowing soccer.
Lauren James stood out along with her particular person high quality, Ella Toone proved her value within the beginning XI and Alessia Russo was the glue up high.
“It does not appear it on the time however [losing to France] was most likely the most effective factor that might have occurred to us as a crew and it motivated us,” mentioned England ahead Beth Mead.
“We had laborious conversations, we figured issues out. You do not win or lose a match within the first recreation.
“Now we’re able the place we’re constructing fairly properly.”
Midfielder Keira Walsh mentioned their “sluggish begin” might have “kicked them into gear” however they discovered confidence and bravado that had been missing in Zurich.
It might have been an enormous disappointment had England did not qualify for the knockout phases however having progressed from the hardest group within the match, Georgia Stanway mentioned it was one thing value celebrating.
“There have been many days on this match the place we may have been going dwelling. To be staying a couple of extra days is one thing we might be pleased with,” she added.
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