England v Netherlands ‘special’ for Lioness as Lotte Wubben-Moy urges her teammates to “ride the wave” after England’s opening defeat left their Euro 2025 hopes under pressure. As the Lionesses prepare for their must-win Group D clash on Wednesday against the Netherlands, the match carries personal meaning for Wubben-Moy, who is half-Dutch, making it a fixture that connects deeply with her heritage.
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Learning from Past Challenges
England’s loss to France in their first game echoes their 2015 World Cup journey when they also lost to France but went on to achieve their best-ever finish of third place. Veteran Lucy Bronze has reminded her teammates of that journey, encouraging them to keep believing. Wubben-Moy agrees, emphasizing that one defeat does not end a tournament and that the team must stay focused and resilient, knowing there will be ups and downs in every campaign.
Facing a Familiar Opponent
The upcoming match is not just critical in the standings but also holds emotional significance. England and the Netherlands are the last two European champions, both led to glory by England’s current coach Sarina Wiegman. Wiegman’s assistant, Arjan Veurink, will soon take over as the Netherlands coach, adding another layer to this already charged encounter.
A Personal Connection for Wubben-Moy
For Wubben-Moy, this fixture is even more personal. Her father is Dutch, and much of her family still lives in the Netherlands, making this clash against the Dutch a special one throughout her career. She recalled making her England youth debut against the Netherlands and remembers every game against them as a physical and tactical challenge that reflects both her English and Dutch heritage.
Celebrating Heritage within the Team
Wubben-Moy highlighted the diversity within the England squad, celebrating how players bring different backgrounds and cultures that unite under the England badge. She feels valued within the team, noting the inclusive environment fostered by having a Dutch coach and supportive teammates who embrace each other’s cultures.
Family Support on Matchday
Despite her Dutch family ties, Wubben-Moy has made it clear that her family will be supporting England when the teams meet on Wednesday. She confidently shared that while her family’s heritage is Dutch, their support will firmly be with her and the England team, reinforcing her commitment to the Lionesses’ mission at Euro 2025.
