Sarina Wiegman faces one of the biggest challenges of her magnificent managerial career as she attempts to cajole an improved performance out of England in their do-or-die Women’s European Championship Group D duel with the Netherlands.
A 2-1 defeat to France in their first game as defending champions means the Lionesses already have their backs against the wall as they will be condemned to an early exit if they lose and Le Bleus beat Wales.
Alessia Russo had a goal disallowed before the French took a lead with two strikes in Zurich and although Keira Walsh netted an 87th-minute reply hopes of a dramatic equaliser failed to materialise, much to Wiegman’s disappointment.
It was the first time the Dutchwoman has suffered defeat in the Euros having led England to the trophy three years ago after lifting it with the Netherlands in the tournament before that and her managerial credentials and those of her underperforming players are on the line.
The big question is whether or not they have the physical and mental strength and football savvy to get their act together to win what has essentially become a knockout tournament even before the quarter-final stage has been reached.
England have won three of their last four matches with the Dutch but the Netherlands will be full of confidence after beating Wales 3-0 in their opener.
It was the fifth time they have been victorious in their last seven matches but it was a rare clean sheet, which will raise spirts in the England camp.
Wiegman is skilled at getting the best out of her squad after they have suffered defeat and Chloe Kelly could be brought into the side to inspire the attack.
The 27-year-old Londoner scored the extra-time winner against Germany at Wembley when the Lionesses won that unforgettable 2022 final to become the first team from these shores to win a major football tournament since Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes hoisted aloft the World Cup in 1966.
Perhaps she can turn up trumps once again and the Arsenal attacker is 7/2 with Betway to score at any time while Russo is 11/2 to fire the Lionesses in front and 7/4 to score at any time, both with bet365.
Manchester City forward Vivienne Miedema, who netted against Wales, is 5/2 with Betway to reply for the Dutch.
Betway offer 17/2 England win 2-1 to set up a thrilling shoot-out with Wales on Sunday evening while France are 7/10 with Hills to beat the Dragons by over 2.5 goals.
Wimbedon quarter-final odds
Jannik Sinner humbly admitted he didn’t regard his walkover success against Gregor Dimitrov as a win after reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
The No.1 seed was heading towards defeat as he trailed 3-6, 5-7 with the third set on serve at 2-2 when his Bulgarian friend suffered an agonising pectoral injury which forced him to retire.
Sinner now faces American Ben Shelton in the last eight after he bounced back to defeat Italian Lorenzo Sonego after losing the opening set and can make the most of what appears to be a second chance.
Despite two Australian Open titles and another at the US Open, the world No.1 has never progressed further than the semi-finals at the All England Club but can return to the last four for the first time since 2023 by beating Shelton in five sets, which is 5/1 with BoyleSports.
Mirra Andreeva ruthlessly swept aside Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3 to reach the last eight of the women’s singles in SW19 and is 11/10 with William Hill, bet365, Betway, StarSports and Bresbet to beat Belinda Bencic in straight sets and advance to the semi-finals.
Boxing odds
Katie Taylor fights Amanda Serrano for the third time on Saturday night when they lace up their gloves at New York’s famous Madison Square Garden.
Ireland’s jewel has won the previous two encounters, first in the Big Apple then at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, but they have both been close, controversial affairs.
The Serrano camp have accused Taylor of leading with her head but the conflicting orthodox and southpaw styles will lead to bumps of the bonces and Taylor has deserved both victories in this book.
Enjoy an absorbing undercard featuring Britain’s Ellie Scotney, Savannah Marshall, Rama Ali and Chantelle Cameron before cheering terrific Taylor to victory at 8/5 with BetMGM and Unibet.
