England Women have been eliminated from the 2017 European Championship at the semi-final stage courtesy of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Netherlands this evening.
Goals from Vivianne Miedema and Danielle van de Donk put the hosts in control in Enschede before a stoppage-time own goal from Millie Bright confirmed the end of the Lionesses' dreams as Netherlands progressed to the final, where they will face Denmark on Sunday.
The opening goal arrived midway through the first half when Jackie Groenen was afforded too much space to pick out Miedema in the middle, and the Arsenal striker produced a perfect header back across goal to leave Siobhan Chamberlain no chance.
England responded well to that setback, though, and Francesca Kirby squandered a clear chance to restore parity almost immediately before Jade Moore hit the post with a header from a corner moments later.
The visitors continued to push for an equaliser as the half wore on, and having gone into the break still behind they quickly picked up where they left off with an early chance for Jodie Taylor.
Netherlands hit back with a chance of their own through Shanice van de Sanden which forced a save from Chamberlain, and the hosts eventually doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark to put one foot in the final.
It was a defensive error which led to the goal as Fara Williams's header only succeeded in sending Van de Donk clean through on goal, and the Dutchwoman made no mistake to punish the Lionesses.
Again England responded well, but Ellen White couldn't make the most of a one-on-one before Lucy Bronze saw a strong penalty appeal turned down.
Any hope of a late fightback appeared to have disappeared when England missed another golden opportunity eight minutes from time, with Taylor racing through on goal but firing straight at the keeper when Toni Duggan was screaming for a pass which would have left her with a simple tap-in.
There was still time for Netherlands to pour salt in the wound with a third goal in stoppage time, though, as Renate Jansen's shot came off the shin of Bright and deflected past Chamberlain to cap off a disappointing night for England.
Netherlands are now the first host nation to reach the final of the women's European Championships since Germany in 2001.
Barney Corkhill
