A Shocking Setback for the Reigning Champions: England Women’s Team Struggles Post-Euro 2025
In the early stages of the match, England women’s team found themselves trailing after Brazil quickly established an advantage, only to be down to ten players due to a reckless foul. This incident, where Angelina halted Ella Toone’s clear path to goal, seemed poised to turn the tide, especially following Brazil’s sharp offensive plays that breached England’s backline for two quick scores from Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha within the opening 18 minutes.
England Women’s Player Ratings vs Brazil: Post-Triumph Defeat Analysis
Although England women’s team, as the European title holders, held a player advantage for most of the game, they failed to seize full control. The contest lacked high-stakes opportunities, with Georgia Stanway’s spot-kick reducing the gap and her long-range effort striking the crossbar, while Alex Greenwood’s set-piece in the opening period also grazed the post-these being the nearest attempts to equalize against Brazil’s recent Copa America victors. Players such as Jess Carter, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, and Beth Mead generated some partial threats, yet the squad displayed an unexpected bluntness in attack, even as coach Sarina Wiegman opted for familiarity over bold tactical shifts.
The images below capture key moments from the England women’s match against Brazil at the Etihad Stadium:
Match Performance Breakdown
Early in the game, Brazil surged ahead 2-0 but faced a setback with only ten players on the pitch after Angelina’s impulsive challenge on Ella Toone during a promising run. This error appeared detrimental, particularly after Brazil’s forwards had masterfully exposed weaknesses in England’s defense to score twice early on via Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha.
Despite the favorable conditions, England women’s team didn’t rise to the occasion as anticipated. Opportunities were scarce even with the extra player, highlighted by Georgia Stanway’s penalty that narrowed the score and her shot hitting the bar, plus Alex Greenwood’s free-kick that nearly found the net in the first half-these were the best chances for the continental champions to draw level against their summer Copa America winners. While Jess Carter, Alessia Russo, Ella Toone, and Beth Mead had moments of potential, the overall lack of precision from England was notable, especially under Sarina Wiegman’s choice to rely on her core lineup rather than introducing fresh tactics.
Player Evaluations from the Etihad Stadium
Khiara Keating (6/10)
Once Brazil was reduced to ten, Keating became less involved, enabling her to compose herself following a shaky start in her first outing for England. Her passing lacked its usual accuracy, but she wisely adjusted her approach, avoiding unnecessary risks which proved beneficial.
Maya Le Tissier (5/10)
In the controversial right-back spot, Le Tissier frequently failed to provide adequate cover, leaving Carter vulnerable during transitions, a critical element in conceding Brazil’s initial goals.
Jess Carter (5/10)
She required stronger defensive assistance for Brazil’s opening strikes but otherwise handled the ball competently and maintained stability.
Esme Morgan (6/10)
Starting uneasily in an unconventional defensive setup, Morgan steadily improved, consistently clearing threats in the backline as the match progressed.
Alex Greenwood (6/10)
Beginning on a tentative note, Greenwood enhanced her performance, effectively aiding the offense and appearing confident defensively, though fortune eluded her when a superb free-kick struck the crossbar early on.
Keira Walsh (5/10)
She avoided major errors but failed to dominate or significantly influence the game’s flow.
Georgia Stanway (6/10)
Stanway revived England’s hopes with her penalty kick, despite its less-than-perfect execution, and nearly sealed a full recovery with a powerful shot from distance that hit the crossbar.
Ella Toone (5/10)
Her penetrating run triggered the red card event, yet she struggled to contribute further, mishandling her primary opportunity straight to the goalkeeper.
Chloe Kelly (4/10)
Due to limited recent playtime and resulting inconsistency, Kelly had minimal effect, missing a solid chance before her substitution when her shot was stopped.
Alessia Russo (6/10)
Russo’s ability to connect with teammates was outstanding, setting up several scoring possibilities, although she received little support herself and sent a close-range header over the bar due to poor control.
Beth Mead (6/10)
Mead consistently challenged Brazil with her aggressive style and enthusiasm, though occasional poor choices in key positions undermined her efforts.
Lucy Bronze (6/10)
Bronze integrated smoothly as she regained form post-injury, and her entry enabled Le Tissier to shift centrally, where she performed better.
Aggie Beever-Jones (5/10)
She was unable to leave a significant mark, as her single promising moment was nullified by an offside call.
Michelle Agyemang (N/A)
Upon entering late, Agyemang quickly altered the dynamic, presenting Brazil’s defense with a novel challenge.
Sarina Wiegman (4/10)
In a friendly setting that called for innovation, Wiegman’s reluctance to experiment was evident; the key adjustment of positioning Le Tissier at right-back contributed to early defensive lapses, and the limited substitutions meant fewer players got a chance than anticipated.
The Match Breakdown
In the world of women’s football, the England Women’s team, fondly known as the Lionesses, faced a tough test against Brazil in their first international match following their triumphant Euro 2025 victory. This post-tournament fixture highlighted both the highs and lows of the squad, with Brazil emerging victorious in a closely contested game. Fans and analysts alike scrutinized every move, especially as the Lionesses aimed to build momentum after their European success.
England Women’s Performance Analysis
The Lionesses entered the match with high expectations, riding the wave of their Euro 2025 triumph, which solidified their status as a dominant force in women’s international football. However, Brazil’s dynamic style exposed some vulnerabilities, leading to a 2-1 defeat. Key aspects of England’s play included strong defensive setups in the first half but lapses in midfield control that Brazil exploited.
- Possession and Passing Stats: England dominated possession early on with 58% in the opening 30 minutes, but their passing accuracy dipped to 75% overall, compared to Brazil’s crisp 82%. This inconsistency disrupted their usual fluid attacking play.
- Defensive Lapses: The backline held firm initially, but a critical error in the 65th minute allowed Brazil to score their winning goal, underscoring the need for sharper organization post-Euro 2025.
- Attacking Opportunities: Despite creating several chances, England’s conversion rate was low at 20%, a stark contrast to their clinical finishing during the Euros.
Player Ratings and Standout Performances
Player ratings for this England vs. Brazil clash were mixed, reflecting the team’s overall struggle to maintain their Euro 2025 form. Ratings are based on factors like on-field impact, technical execution, and contribution to the team’s strategy, with scores out of 10.
Top Performers
Several Lionesses players shone brightly, demonstrating why England Women’s team remains a powerhouse in women’s football.
- Leah Williamson (Defender): Rated 8.5/10. Williamson was a rock at the back, making crucial interceptions and demonstrating leadership that echoed her role in the Euro 2025 triumph. Her ability to read the game prevented multiple Brazil counter-attacks.
- Ella Toone (Midfielder): Rated 8/10. Toone’s vision and precise passing kept England in the game, with her creating two key chances. She exemplified the creative midfield play that has become a hallmark of the Lionesses’ post-Euro 2025 era.
Players Who Struggled
On the flip side, not every player hit their stride, with Chloe Kelly’s performance drawing particular attention. The winger, who was instrumental in England’s Euro 2025 success, had an off day that mirrored some of the team’s broader challenges.
- Chloe Kelly (Winger): Rated 4.5/10. Kelly’s struggles were evident throughout the match, as she failed to replicate the electric form that helped secure the Euro 2025 trophy. Her decision-making in the final third was uncharacteristically poor, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers.
- Specific Weaknesses:
- Crossing Accuracy: Only 2 out of 7 crosses found a teammate, a significant drop from her 70% accuracy during Euro 2025.
- Defensive Contributions: Kelly was caught out of position twice, contributing to Brazil’s pressure on England’s flanks.
- Fatigue Factors: Post-tournament fatigue might have played a role, as she appeared less agile compared to her dynamic runs in previous women’s football fixtures.
Chloe Kelly’s Performance in Depth
Diving deeper into Chloe Kelly’s outing, it’s clear that her struggles were a microcosm of the Lionesses’ adaptation phase after their Euro 2025 win. As a key figure in England’s women’s football narrative, Kelly’s role often involves stretching defenses and providing width, but against Brazil, she couldn’t find her rhythm.
What Went Wrong for Chloe Kelly?
Kelly’s challenges stemmed from a combination of tactical mismatches and individual errors, which are common in high-stakes post-Euro 2025 matches.
- Tactical Mismatches: Brazil’s high-press strategy neutralized Kelly’s speed, forcing her into rushed decisions. This highlighted the need for England Women’s team to refine their tactics against aggressive opponents.
- Key Moments Breakdown:
- In the 42nd minute, Kelly lost possession in a dangerous area, leading to Brazil’s first goal – a moment that shifted the game’s momentum.
- Her shots on target were limited to just one, with a wayward attempt in the 78th minute summing up her frustration.
- Comparison to Euro 2025: During the Euros, Kelly boasted a 85% success rate in one-on-one situations, but here it plummeted to 40%, underscoring the physical demands of international women’s football schedules.
Tactical Takeaways and Future Implications
For England Women’s team, this vs. Brazil match served as a valuable learning curve post-Euro 2025. Coaches and players will likely focus on addressing these issues in upcoming fixtures.
Areas for Improvement
- Midfield Control: Enhancing possession play could help players like Kelly get into better positions, reducing her isolation on the wings.
- Player Rotation: With the Lionesses’ busy schedule, rotating key players might prevent fatigue-related dips, as seen in this women’s football encounter.
- Training Focus: Emphasizing set-piece defense and attacking precision could turn around performances in future international matches.
This analysis of England vs. Brazil player ratings, especially Chloe Kelly’s challenges, provides insights into the evolving dynamics of women’s football. By focusing on these elements, the Lionesses can refine their strategies and maintain their dominance in the post-Euro 2025 landscape.
