Rivalry billing for Euros tie may mean more for Wales – England's Alex Greenwood

The Herald Scotland

12-07-2025

Greenwood's cool demeanour and downplayed approach to the opposition was in direct contrast to Wales captain Angharad James, who, when sat at the same St Gallen table moments before and asked if she wanted to knock England out, said: 'Of course you do. It's in our blood. It's in our DNA.'
But quizzed as to whether or not she felt the same sense of rivalry, Greenwood conceded: 'Maybe not as much. I think, for me personally, it's another game.
'It's now the most important game that we're going to play and I think that's how I look at it, that's how I treat it. I think for the fans and everybody around it, the rivalry is brilliant.
'I think the atmosphere tomorrow is going to be great and something we should all look forward to, but from a personal perspective, it's another really important game.'
Greenwood reached a century of England caps in their tournament-opening 2-1 defeat to France, and added: 'Playing for England has always been a dream of mine since I could kick a ball and I think to make 100 caps for your country is generally something I never thought I would achieve.
'I'm really proud of doing that and really grateful for the people who helped me along the way.'
"Not many players get to say they've played 100 times for their country and I'm really grateful to everyone who has been a part of it."
Congratulations, @AlexGreenwood, on an incredible career milestone! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🩵
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) July 8, 2025
Wales do have a precedent when it comes to showing up against England, holding the Lionesses to a frustrating goalless draw in their 2018 World Cup qualifier.
At the time, then-Wales manager Jayne Ludlow said it was probably the best result in their history and the current side are eager to write more of their own with what is likely to be one final opportunity in Switzerland.
Both Wales skipper James and head coach Rhian Wilkinson said 'the pressure is all on England', leaving some wondering if Wales were trying to get in the Lionesses' psyche.
'Maybe, I don't know,' replied England boss Sarina Wiegman. 'But we have our own preparation and we know also what's on the line and we will do everything to win the game because we want to get through.
Wiegman has been reading up on the rivalry (Nick Potts/PA)
'There's always pressure on England, but we make it expectation. We expect from ourselves that we are going to play a good game.'
Dutchwoman Wiegman, who led the Netherlands then England to the European trophy in 2017 and 2022 respectively, revealed she had also been undertaking a little research.
'Yeah, I learned a little about the history and about the rivalry,' she said. 'But we focus on what we have to do and how we want to play and find a way to win.'