England women miss out on Euro final glory

HOLLAND WOMEN .......... 3 ENGLAND WOMEN ......... 0

ENGLAND saw their dreams of winning Women’s Euro 2017 shattered by a 3-0 semi-final loss to host nation Holland in their semi-final in Enschede.

Goals either side of half-time from Arsenal pair Vivianne Miedema and Danielle van de Donk secured victory for the vibrant Dutch before a lastgasp own goal from Millie Bright compounded England’s misery.

England were punished for a slow start by Miedema and there proved no way back after a costly mistake by Fara Williams, their confident campaign ending in a huge anti-climax.

Welsh manager Mark Sampson was forced into two changes with injured goalkeeper Karen Bardsley replaced by Siobhan Chamberlain and the experienced Williams taking the place of suspended Jill Scott in midfield.

His side were rarely in the contest. Holland took the early initiative, clearly charged by the passionate support of the orange-clad fans that made up the majority of the sell-out crowd at FC Twente’s 30,000-capacity home.

The hosts won most of the 50-50 challenges and got onto the front foot, although England initially did a good job of repelling them.

Jade Moore provided a good screen for the back four and centrebacks Steph Houghton and Bright were solid.

Holland took to attacking down the right, where Demi Stokes was kept busy by pacey Liverpool forward Shanice van de Sanden.