Former Arsenal and Everton midfielder Angharad James is determined to beat England and knock the reigning champions out of the Women's Euro 2025. James, who is leading Wales in their first major women's tournament in Switzerland, spoke about the rivalry that the two countries share, while claiming that is in their 'blood and DNA' to knock the Lionesses out of the competition.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- James issued a rallying war cry ahead of facing England
- Wants to eliminate Lionesses from Women's Euro 2025
- England take on Wales on Sunday
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! đ˘đą |
-
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Lionesses' title defence campaign got off to a nightmare start as they lost the tournament opener against France but they bounced back strongly to beat Netherlands 4-0 to remain alive in the Women's European Championship. Wales, on the other hand, lost both of their previous fixtures and are now staring at elimination from the group stages unless they beat rivals England heavily and the Dutch go down against France.
Advertisement
- Getty Images Sport
WHAT JAMES SAID
Ahead of the all-important clash against their arch-rivals, the 31-year-old Wales captain said: "As a Welshwoman, do you want to knock England out? Of course you do. Itâs in our blood, our DNA, and the rivalry has always been there and always will be there. But you have to come back to the occasion and this is just another game of football. Hopefully, we can perform in a better way than we did against France, keep improving our performances and the result comes with that.
"Thereâs no hiding behind the history of Wales v England, whatever sport you are playing in. Itâs a rivalry match and itâs one everyone wants to play in. As a group, weâve come on so much since the first game [v the Netherlands], the second game was such a big improvement from us and weâre looking to step it up again in this game. But the pressure is all on England. They have to come out, they have to perform. Theyâre expected to win this game. Within our group we believe we can upset a very top team but weâre preparing as normal and weâre ready for the fight."
-
THE BIGGER PICTURE
James added: "Before we came to this tournament, we said: âWe have already won, whatever happens'. Weâve had little wins at this tournament, [such as] Jess [Fishlock] scoring our first goal, and a result tomorrow night would be our next âwinâ. Itâs big for our nation, being here, showing all the little girls and boys at home that we can be on the biggest stage, can compete at the biggest stage, and we deserve to be here as a nation."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
- Getty Images
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Sarina Wiegman's side will play their final group game against Wales at St. Gallen on Sunday.