Women’s 2017 Euro: England knocked out by impressive Netherlands

England were knocked out of the Women’s 2017 Euros at the semi-final stage as Netherlands delivered an impressive performance in Enschede to win 3-0.

Mark Sampson’s side started the game full of confidence after a strong showing in the last-eight against France. But the Lionesses were second best throughout as the tournament hosts progressed to the final in convincing fashion.

Viviane Miedema gave the host nation the lead in the first half, climbing highest to meet a cross and head home past Siobhan Chamberlain. An error from Fara Williams presented Netherlands with the chance to double their lead after the break, with Danielle Van de Donk chipping a finish home.

And insult was added to injury in stoppage time when Millie Bright forced home a cross into her own net to give the Dutch a three-goal lead. Netherlands will now face Denmark in the final of the competition.

While the 3-0 scoreline might have flattered the hosts, England seemed to play into the hands of the Netherlands. Mark Sampson’s side dominated possession, but couldn’t make it count in the final third. The Dutch were quite content inviting pressure on top of themselves before hitting out on the counter attack. So did the Lionesses get their tactics wrong?

The difference between the two sides could be found in the final third. While England looked somewhat toothless in attack, the Dutch had Miedema to act as their focal point, with the striker impressively heading home the opener. Indeed, Netherlands were able to play off her in a way England couldn’t with Jodie Taylor.

Netherlands - van Veenendaal 8, van Lunteren 6, Dekker 7, van der Gragt 6, van Es 6, Groenen 5, Spitse 7, van den Donk 8, van de Sanden 7, Martens 5, Miedema 8. Subs - Jansen 5, Roord 6, Zeeman 5.

England - Chamberlain 7, Stokes 5, Bright 6, Houghton 5, Bronze 6, Moore 5, Williams 4, White 7, Kirby 6, Nobbs 5, Taylor 5. Subs - Duggan 6, Carney 6.

21’ GOAL! Netherlands 1-0 England: The host nation has the lead in the 21st minute of the match! The cross came in from the right wing, with new Arsenal signing Miedema climbing higher than anyone else to head past the keeper.

25’ OFF THE POST! Moore gets on the end of a corner kick to head towards goal, but Spitse was on hand to stop it from finding the net, forcing it on to the woodwork. So close!

63’ GOAL! Netherlands 2-0 England: Disaster for England! Williams attempts a header back to Chamberlain, but Van de Doonk nips in and clips the ball over the England goalkeeper to give the hosts a two goal lead.

68’ HUGE CHANCE FOR WHITE! That was the chance for England to drag themselves back into this game. The ball was played over the top for White, but she couldn't guide her shot on target.

81’ WHAT A CHANCE! How didn't Taylor score? She saw her effort saved by van Veenendaal in the Dutch goal from close range. She probably should have squared to Duggan.

88’ OFF THE LINE! It's just not meant to be England's night. This time it's Duggan who gets the shot away on goal from a corner kick, but Spitse is back on the line to make the clearance.

92’ GOAL! Netherlands 3-0 England: The Dutch put the finishes touches on the win, with Bright diverting a powerful shot past Chamberlain and into the net. There was nothing she could have done about that.