Heading into the final round of group matches, England were second in Group D, trailing France (six points) by three points and sitting level on points with third-placed Netherlands.

Matching the Netherlands’ result against France would have been enough to guarantee the Lionesses a top-two finish and a spot in the quarter-finals.

However, England did more than that, beating tournament debutants Wales 6-1 in St Gallen, with Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and Aggie Beever-Jones on the scoresheet.

Meanwhile in Basel, the Netherlands lost 5-2 to France to exit in the group stage. France clinched first place with nine points after three successive victories.

A day earlier, England fans had their attention on Group C as the top two sides from that group were to be the opponents for the sides progressing from England’s group. Already qualified Sweden and Germany met in Zurich, with Sweden winning 4-1 to clinch top spot.