Preview: England take on Sweden in Euros quarterfinal
England are into the quarter-finals at Euro 2025 but now must overcome arguably the most impressive team from the tournament’s group stage.
By Jamie Spencer
How they reached the last eight
Sweden emerged from a tricky Group C with a 100% record. A dominant opener against Denmark finished 1-0 but was characterised by wasteful finishing after underperforming their xG (2.39). Peter Gerhardsson’s side underperformed xG (3.89) a second time against Poland, winning 3-0, but scored twice against the run of play to come from behind and beat Germany 4-1 in a more clinical outing.
England had a bumpier ride, humbled by France in game one, before turning up with a 4-0 thrashing when it mattered against the Netherlands, Beating Wales next was required to keep their destiny in their own hands, and the Lionesses took no chances with a 6-1 score-line.
Head-to-Head
This is a repeat of a one-sided semi-final three summers ago. England cruised to a 4-0 win that day – including Alessia Russo’s iconic backheel, effectively laying down their credentials as champions.
Sweden prevailed, on penalties, when the pair met in the first ever European Championship final back in 1984 – it was played over two legs in those days. The Swedes won, in extra-time, in the 1987 semi-finals, before successive group stage wins over the Lionesses in 2001 (4-0) and 2005 (1-0).
In the Euros alone, it’s two England wins, four for Sweden, and one draw. They faced each other in qualifying for these finals too, with both matches finishing all square (1-1 and 0-0).
Sweden’s conductor
Even at 35 years of age, Kosovare Asllani has been pulling the strings. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid star, who will grace the WSL next season after recently helping London City Lionesses to promotion, has four goals and assists at this tournament from the No. 10 role. Sweden have other threats, but stopping her is England’s obvious objective.
Toone’s key role
Ella Toone didn’t start for England against France, but her addition to the team for the games since has brought a better balance to the midfield, with and without the ball.
“People speak about her offensively, but the defensive work she does for me and Georgia [Stanway] is incredible,” Keira Walsh told reporters after the Lionesses beat Wales. “She covers a lot of spaces that we can’t. That’s probably been the main thing that’s stopped other teams from playing.”
Toone has been through huge personal strife after losing her father, Nick, last year but is rediscovering her best form. “I feel like I’m in a really good place, I’ve missed this Ella Toone,” she told BBC Sport. “I’ve not had it for a while. I feel like I’m really coming into it.”
Team news
Sarina Wiegman was delighted to make it through the group stage without injuries and is expected to pick the same team that beat the Netherlands and Wales. Attacking depth from the bench could be a key factor later in the tie, though.
Winger Fridolina Rolfö started for the first time this tournament in Sweden’s third group game (and scored) after recovering from an ankle injury. Nathalie Björn has had a different centre-back partner for each outing so far, while Julia Zigiotti Olme is vying with Hanna Bennison to start in midfield.
Prediction
Sweden’s tendency for profligacy witnessed in their first two games is not a new trait. It was evident in qualifying, against England, which could bode well for the Lionesses if they can remain defensively resilient. Scoring against the Swedes is the harder task, but Wiegman’s team is purring in that sense now. Sweden 1-2 England (after extra time).
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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