England shrug off Wales rivalry ahead of big game for title defence

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FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - UEFA Womens Euro 2025 - Group D - France v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 5, 2025 England manager Sarina Wiegman before the match REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland - The Lionesses Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman has read up on the fierce rivalry between England and Wales and knows that it will be fuel for the Welsh women when they face off in a pivotal Euro 2025 game on Sunday at St. Gallen.

But Wiegman said her players will not get caught up in emotion and instead approach Sunday as another big game in defence of their European championship title.

I learned about the history and the rivalry but we are focused on what we want to do and how we want to play, Wiegman said at a press conference. There is always pressure on England and we will try and play a good game and hopefully we can have the ball a lot and exploit spaces.

Victory over Wales will ensure England passage to the quarter-finals, while they would also advance with a draw provided the Netherlands do not beat France.

Even a loss to Wales by less than three goals, coupled with a Netherlands defeat, would put them through.

If opponents up their games against England, defender Alex Greenwood said she and her teammates have grown accustomed to having a target on their back.

It is something we are probably used