Sarina Wiegma wants England Women to remain grounded after win over Netherlands

Sarina Wiegman vowed England Women would “stay grounded” after they thumped reigning champions the Netherlands 5-1 in their penultimate warm-up match ahead of next month’s home European Championship.

The Lionesses came from behind to claim the eye-catching victory at Elland Road, their 11th win in 13 matches unbeaten under Wiegman.

The Dutchwoman, who guided the Netherlands to Euro 2017 glory and the 2019 World Cup final prior to becoming England boss last September, said when asked about her side being spoken about as favourites to lift the trophy this summer: “I think there are many favourites for this tournament and we are one of them.

“But we know where we want to go to and we stick to our strategy and plans, and whether we would lose or win now, we’re not going to all of a sudden sit, we call it, on a pink cloud. We stay grounded.

“Even if we had lost today, then still we know what we can improve, what we do well, and we want to take the next step in our style of play.

“Of course, the expectation will go higher, but now it’s a moment. I think we’re in a good place, but we still need to improve a couple of things, and we know that.”

After the first half had seen Lucy Bronze cancel out Lieke Martens’ opener, England had a let-off seven minutes into the second half when Sherida Spitse, on her 200th Netherlands appearance, struck a penalty off a post and wide.

It gives confidence because we know we have lots of depth in our team, lots of quality. I have a hard choice to make for the first XI- Sarina Wiegman

A minute later, Beth Mead put the hosts ahead with a close-range finish, fellow substitute Ella Toone and Lauren Hemp then added efforts in the 72nd and 74th minutes, and Mead subsequently netted her second late on