Substitutes Beth Mead and Ella Toone made an impact as they both got on the
scoresheet in a one-sided second half.
The Dutch-led through Lieke Martens’ header before Lucy Bronze equalized to make
it 1-1 at half-time.
Mead then struck moments after Dutch captain Sherida Spitse hit the post from the
penalty spot, before Toone and Lauren Hemp doubled England’s tally in the space of
two minutes.
Arsenal winger Mead added a fifth goal late on to confirm a resounding victory in a
statement performance from the Lionesses in Leeds.
England’s victory, played in front of a vibrant crowd at Elland Road, extended their
unbeaten run under manager Wiegman after she joined from the Netherlands in
September.
They have just one friendly remaining – against Switzerland on 30 June – before
opening the home Euros at Old Trafford against Austria on 6 July.
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It was an entertaining match throughout as England was pressed intensely by the
visitors in the first half and found themselves trailing when Martens’ well-timed
header caught out Mary Earps on a corner.
Bronze then looped a cross – intended for Beth England – inside the far post to ensure
the teams were level at the break.
The Netherlands were awarded a penalty following a VAR review when Alex
Greenwood brought down ex-Arsenal midfielder Danielle van de Donk but Spitse,
making her 200th appearance, struck the post.
Within seconds, England went up the other end and Hemp curled it into the path for
substitute Mead to direct home.
The crowd were on their feet and momentum was with England as they pushed to
extend their advantage – Toone eventually curling in a third, before Hemp pounced
on a rebound off the post to fire in a fourth.
It was a taste of the exciting football England are capable of producing at the Euros
and the supporters who chanted “we want five” after Hemp’s goal were given what
they asked for when Mead fired in another in the dying moments.
Those leaving Elland Road will no doubt have come away feeling even more
anticipation for the first game which is just 12 days away.
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