Chelsea star Lauren James shines as England thrash Netherlands at Women’s Euros

England beat the Netherlands 4-0 in their second group fixture at the Women’s European Championship on Wednesday evening.

The defending champions lost their opening game to France and had to win this contest to avoid early elimination from the tournament.

They started on the front foot and almost scored inside the first 10 minutes. Lauren Hemp delivered a pinpoint cross for Alessia Russo, but she fluffed her lines.

Lauren James gave England the lead in the 21st minute, curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box.

The Lionesses almost doubled their advantage as James linked up with Keira Walsh, who whipped in a delightful ball for Hemp to head over.

In first-half stoppage time, Georgia Stanway struck the ball into the bottom corner to give England a two-goal cushion.

Russo thought she had extended England’s lead when she headed the ball into the net early in the second half, but she was flagged offside.

James eventually extended the Lionesses’ lead through a deflection on the hour mark.

Man United midfielder Ella Toone piled more misery on the Dutch when she slotted the ball home in the 67th minute, having received a pass from Russo.

England ended the Netherlands’ 35-game streak of not conceding more than two goals at either the Euro or the World Cup with this result.

England have now temporarily moved to the top of Group D, ahead of France, who face Wales tonight.

The Lionesses will play their last group fixture against Wales on Sunday.