England striker Lauren Hemp promoted the unity of the team after Lionesses’ 2-1 disappointing loss from France in their 2025 opening, as the royal champions face the Netherlands on Wednesday with the danger of an early exit.

“I would probably say that it is more of an arm around each other (than to call each other),” Hemp told reporters on Sunday. “When times are difficult, we have had difficult conversations in the field from time to time. I think after him, outside him, you have to gather instead of push each other away.

“I think this is what this team is good, it is dealing with each other and is supporting one another, because of course we will need everyone to return to their maximum on Wednesday.”

Captain Leah Williamson had said England were moved from a “free type of emotional protection” against a France The team that ran circles around them for most of the night.

England has a history of slow beginnings in tours, such as their close victories over Austria In Euro 2022 and Haiti In the World Cup 2023, where they eventually reached the final. HEMP emphasized the team’s ability to get up in this case.

“We bloom under pressure,” Said hemp. “Gamedo’s game we come in we want to win, and from the way we have acted the last 10 minutes of the game, we know what is in question, and we undoubtedly want to achieve as much as we can, and we are reigning champions that it is important to remember it and gain confidence from it.”

The team held a slight training session on Sunday at their base in Zurich, with KP and other beginners who watched while the most rested players were trained. The session was open to local girls from clubs and schools, as part of a gesture of thanksgiving, with players posing for selfie and signing the shirts afterwards.

Hemp, along with teammates Alexwood, Georgia StanwayAND Lauren Jamesreturned to action after prolonged deficiencies of damage. HEMP, which underwent two knee surgeries since November, accepted the challenges of forming the form but highlighted the team’s collective experience.

“Many of us have had a great time outside, and has obviously been gutters for us,” said the 24-year-old. “We’ve lost most of the season, but we had four or five matches to get up in scratches, and I think it’s not really excuse.

“We are all in this as a team, and we have so much experience in the field. Although I have been out for seven months, I have also played six years (for England), so it is important to remember it and get confidence from it.

“Of course, we will be a little rusty, but everyone will be a little rusty, so we’re all in the same boat.”