This could have been the perfect ending to the group stage. A battle for the ages: two British teams, side by side, fighting for bragging rights and a place in the knockouts. But the reality didn’t meet the fantasy.
With Wales having lost their opening two games, they needed not just a win, but a heavy one, and for other results to fall in their favour. England, on the other hand, had a simple task: win, and the quarter-final spot was theirs.
The tone was set early. After just 13 minutes, a questionable free-kick decision was upgraded to a penalty for Georgia Stanway, who dispatched it calmly. That moment summed up what was to come for Wales.
Eight minutes later, some dismal defending gifted Ella Toone her second goal of the tournament. England 2-0.
Wales did muster a positive attacking move shortly after, drawing a strong save from Hannah Hampton, but it was the only real test for the England keeper in a first half that otherwise offered routine goalkeeping practice.
I don’t think I’ve seen any team at this tournament allowed as much time on the ball as England were. With so much space to play in, they orchestrated simple, slick passing moves with ease. This led to Lauren Hemp grabbing a third after just half an hour, and things were becoming embarrassing. Even England’s celebrations were muted, the fans subdued.
Then came a familiar face. Alessia Russo, one of the breakout stars of Euro 2022, scored her first of this campaign just before the break. 4-0 at half-time.
There was a real sense of sympathy for Wales as they trudged off, perhaps dreading the second half. But one thing you can always say about the Welsh: they never stop showing grit.
They held England off for 27 minutes after the restart, until Beth Mead, off the bench and perhaps eager to silence some critics, grabbed a fifth.
Then came a moment of pride. Jess Fishlock, a legend of the Welsh game, drove from halfway and threaded a perfect ball through for Cain, who slotted home a consolation. A goal Wales and Fishlock richly deserved.
But England weren’t done. On the edge of full time, Aggie Beever-Jones netted her first goal at a major tournament, sealing a 6-1 win.
So, Wales bow out. And it’s all about perspective. This was their first ever major tournament. They scored a couple of goals. Fishlock had her moment. But make no mistake, the players and fans will have dreamt of more than three heavy defeats.
The gulf between the top sides and the emerging nations is still too wide. That’s not a reflection of effort, but of structure. Funding needs to improve. Support needs to grow. The smaller nations need a better platform, not just for participation but for competition.
And this is about more than results. For women’s tournaments to thrive, they need jeopardy. Drama. Matches that feel alive with tension. But that’s impossible when mismatches like this are still the norm.
As for England, it’s Sweden up next. A repeat of the semi-final from Euro 2022, which the Lionesses dominated 4-0. But don’t be fooled. This is a different Sweden, a side that just thrashed Germany 4-1.
Sweden, the European champions of 1984, will be out for revenge. And this quarter-final promises to be a real test for both sides.
