The Netherlands Women’s National Team suffered a disappointing exit from Euro 2025, concluding their campaign in the group stage under the management of Andries Jonker. The team’s journey ended following a 5-2 loss to France on July 9, 2025, which underscored a lackluster performance throughout the tournament. As boos echoed around St Jakob Park when Jonker’s image appeared on screen, it became apparent that his departure was imminent and not mourned by fans.
The Dutch squad managed only one win in three matches, conceding a total of nine goals, and narrowly avoided their worst-ever tournament performance from 2013. Despite facing tough competition against highly ranked teams like England and France, the campaign was marred by controversy and questionable tactical decisions.
When Jonker took the helm in 2022, there was significant optimism. He was expected to replicate the success achieved under former manager Sarina Wiegman, who led the team to victory in Euro 2017 and a second-place finish at the 2019 World Cup. However, Jonker’s tenure has been turbulent, with fluctuating support depending on the team’s results. Following a failed attempt to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, doubts about the Netherlands’ status as a European powerhouse began to surface.
In January 2025, the Dutch football federation announced that Jonker’s contract would not be extended, a move that sparked unrest within the team. In April, Arjan Veurink, Wiegman’s former assistant, was named as Jonker’s successor while still serving as an assistant with the England team. Tensions escalated after a 4-0 loss to Germany and a 1-1 draw with Scotland in the UEFA Nations League, leaving the Netherlands out of the finals.
As the Euro 2025 approached, Jonker admitted to contemplating resignation, expressing concerns over his authority and support. “It was all good in the first international window after I got the news,” he mentioned in a podcast. “In the last window, we played badly for one-and-a-half of the two games, and you start to think … ‘Do I still want to do this?'”
Media scrutiny intensified, particularly after a contentious press conference on July 4, where Jonker was accused of prioritizing his image over the players. He defended the team passionately, stating, “These women have given everything in 2025. Everything. And we have done that together.” Despite a 3-0 victory over Wales in their opening match, the subsequent heavy loss to England heightened the pressure on Jonker.
Underlying issues within the team became evident, with some players expressing dissatisfaction with Jonker’s coaching style. Captain Sherida Spitse publicly supported Jonker, but other voices, including Damaris Egurrola, highlighted concerns over playing time and tactical fit. Egurrola voiced frustration, stating, “If I have to play in a way that is not suited to me, then I get the short end of the stick.”
An unusual situation arose with veteran midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk, who, in what may have been her final tournament, started against Wales but was benched against England due to a supposed injury. Van de Donk later claimed she was fit to play, leading to speculation about communication breakdowns between her and Jonker.
Injuries further complicated preparations for the tournament, with key players like Vivianne Miedema sidelined prior to Euro 2025. Jonker’s strategy of relying heavily on veteran players left the team lacking depth, and his decisions during critical matches drew criticism. Notably, Miedema was left on the bench during a must-win game against France, which epitomized the mismanagement that marred their campaign.
Jonker’s exit marks a challenging end to his three-year tenure, but it also paves the way for new beginnings. With Veurink set to take charge after the Euros, there is optimism surrounding his appointment. Many players are familiar with him from his time under Wiegman, and he arrives with strong recommendations from his experience with the English Football Association.
As the squad seeks to recover from their disappointing Euro 2025 performance, Egurrola expressed hope for a fresh start. “With the new staff, we’ll be able to achieve success in the future,” she noted. Moving forward, the Netherlands Women’s National Team must reflect on their shortcomings while embracing the changes necessary to reclaim their status on the international stage.
