Lionesses restore faith with Netherlands thrashing as 'Barmy Army' take over pubs

The Lionesses have restored faith that 'it's coming home' after thrashing the Netherlands with the roar of thousands of English fans behind them.

They were perilously close to crashing out of the tournament in just two games after losing their first match against France. But the Lionesses were saved from jeopardy tonight when they hammered the Dutch 4-0 in a sell-out match in Zurich. Inside the packed Letzigrund stadium, a sea of red white and blue fans erupted with screams of joy and a standing ovation when the final whistle was blown.

Ahead of the game supporters in orange jerseys had boasted they were the Netherlands 'secret weapon', but England fans warned them: "We'll be louder." Drums and deafening chants of We Love You England and Sweet Caroline rang around the stadium during the game, with St George flags draped over the stands in every corner.

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Lauren James cemented her place as an England hero with two cool goals. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone sealed the deal, each firing a rocket into the Netherlands' net.

And 'in true English style' the barmy army headed straight to the pub to celebrate the much-needed win. England fans wore the St George's flag across their shoulders or painted across their faces and nails as they took over Zurich city centre chanting 'come on England'

Jade Stanger, 32, from Sutton, London, said: “I’m ecstatic. There’s a buzz in Zurich and it’s coming home. In very English style we're all off to a pub to celebrate with the other fans." Jennifer McKenzie, 48, and her partner Susie Bewell, 53, had driven 800 miles in their camper van all the way from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, to Zurich to scream for England in the stands.

Speaking of their plans after the match Susie told the Mirror: "We'll celebrate long and hard and have a few beers." Jennifer added: "It was really important for us to come out because we’re the title holders. We were there cheering them on at Wembley and for most of the other games at the 2022 Euros, so we felt it was our duty as England fans to follow them here and be as loud as we can."

Richard Dunbar, 41, had taken his four-year-old daughter, Ashley, out of nursery to see the inspirational Lionesses. The dad from Bradford, West Yorks said: “I’m absolutely elated, I’ll be having a few beers but not too many with a four year old, we’ll be celebrating with the other fans but we have a really early flight back tomorrow because she is back in nursery tomorrow.”

He added: “I want my daughter to know that as a female growing up that she has female icons and idols like the Lionesses to aspire to. I believe in this team and our potential, we’ve done it before… I think we are going to go all the way.”

It had been an all-or-nothing game for England who needed to secure a two goal lead to stay in the Swiss tournament. Some 30,000 English fans will descend on Switzerland as they follow the Lionesses' bid to keep their title as reigning champions. And some confident fans have already bought tickets for the final in Basel, including Emily Bowen, 17, from Tunbridge Wells.

The teen planned her trip to the Euros with her dad over a year ago and has been driving all the way from France for every England game after family pals offered them a place to stay for free.

She said: "It's such a good feeling after watching us defeated by France, that game was like a stab in the heart." Emily's pal Charlotte Pepper, 14, was in tears after watching the Lionesses win.

But the pair headed straight off to the fan park to watch Wales clash with France 53 miles away in St Gallen. Now the Red Wall is the only thing that can stand in the way of England's journey to the finals as the Lionesses must defeat the Dragons to secure six points.