'We don't want a fighting game' - Lionesses urged to keep composure by Sarina Wiegman ahead of Euro 2025 clash with Wales

England head coach Wiegman spoke to the reporters ahead of her side's crucial Euro 2025 group stage encounter against rivals Wales, with a spot in the quarter-finals at stake. The former Dutch footballer stated that she doesn't want her troops to play a "fighting game" and demands that her players should control the game to have better control over the outcome.

Wales, surprisingly, do not find themselves out of contention for a spot in the last-eight, despite losing their opening two games in Group D. On Sunday, they will take on rivals England, who are the overwhelming favourites to progress to the knockouts. However, should Wales win, and France defeat Netherlands in the other group game, they could still qualify at the expense of both the Lionesses and the Leeuwinnen.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Wiegman said: "I hope we will see a game where we have a lot of the ball and we play very well in possession, so we don't let it become a fighting game.

"I am not worried [that it will be that kind of game]. I think Wales are very compact and they can fight and are really together, but also they can play direct. We are trying to prevent that, and the best way is to be on top of things yourself. and exploit the spaces."

A win will be enough for England to go through, regardless of the result in the other Group D game. However, a draw would mean that they will have to rely on France defeating Netherlands. In the case of a loss, Wiegman & Co. will hope for France to do them a favour by beating Netherlands by a heavy margin.