England convincingly qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Championship in Switzerland on Sunday. Sarina Wiegman’s team won 6-1 against Wales.
England knew in advance that a win against Wales would be enough to qualify for the knockout stage. That victory was never in danger at the Kybunpark in St. Gallen.
Wiegman’s team immediately put Wales with their backs against the wall. That resulted in a lead after thirteen minutes. England was awarded a penalty, which was converted by Georgia Stanway.
Wales still had a theoretical chance to reach the quarter-finals beforehand, but that hope was dashed. Jayne Ludlow’s team was simply no match for England.
Before halftime, the English women extended their lead to 4-0. The goals were scored by Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo. Toone gave the assist for the third and fourth goal.
Germany awaits in quarter-finals
In the second half, England didn’t need to push as much. The 5-0 didn’t fall until fifteen minutes before the final whistle. Beth Mead cut out a defender and shot the 5-0 inside.
A little later, Wales salvaged pride in a fine way. The 38-year-old Jess Fishlock, who played for AZ between 2008 and 2010, steamed up through the axis and served Hannah Cain (5-1). A little later, Agnes Beever-Jones determined the 6-1 final score with a header.
Because France simultaneously won 2-5 against the Orange, England finished second in group D. Wiegman’s team will therefore meet Germany in the quarter-finals. This cracker is scheduled for Thursday.