The group phases confirmed one of the best and the worst of England as France exploited their defensive frailties and kicked them into gear for the remaining two matches.
Bruised by their opening defeat, the Lionesses vowed to do their speaking on the pitch – and so they did.
Emphatic victories in opposition to the Netherlands and Wales adopted as they completed runners-up within the group, avoiding a heavyweight quarter-final tie with Germany within the course of, and a possible assembly with world champions Spain or hosts Switzerland within the semi-finals.
The place they completed within the group didn't concern supervisor Sarina Wiegman – outwardly no less than – however she was happy with the “urgency” that the France loss gave them.
“That actually introduced us collectively and everybody actually needed to carry out and achieve success,” she mentioned.
“Within the Netherlands recreation, we actually created urgency and momentum by enjoying rather well and to our strengths.
“With that loss, the urgency got here and I feel the group actually responded nicely. Now hopefully we will present that once more in opposition to Sweden.”
England had been dominant of their wins over the Netherlands and Wales, scoring 10 targets within the course of, and displaying a few of their greatest free-flowing soccer.
Lauren James stood out together with her particular person high quality, Ella Toone proved her price within the beginning XI and Alessia Russo was the glue up prime.
“It would not appear it on the time however [losing to France] was most likely one of the best factor that might have occurred to us as a group and it motivated us,” mentioned England ahead Beth Mead.
“We had laborious conversations, we figured issues out. You do not win or lose a event within the first recreation.
“Now we're able the place we're constructing fairly properly.”
Midfielder Keira Walsh mentioned their “sluggish begin” might have “kicked them into gear” however they discovered confidence and bravado that had been missing in Zurich.
It might have been an enormous disappointment had England didn't qualify for the knockout phases however having progressed from the hardest group within the event, Georgia Stanway mentioned it was one thing price celebrating.
“There have been many days on this event the place we might have been going residence. To be staying a number of extra days is one thing we might be happy with,” she added.
