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Home > England Qualify For Euro 2025 – But Draw In Sweden Highlights Problems Sarina Wiegman Must Solve

England Qualify For Euro 2025 – But Draw In Sweden Highlights Problems Sarina Wiegman Must Solve

Georgia Stanway applauds the fans after helping England to qualify for Euro 2025 Credit: Getty Images/Harriet Lander The good news is, after a difficult year in which England have struggled to get going again following their World Cup final defeat, the Lionesses have qualified automatically for next summer’s Women’s European Championship.

That might not seem much to celebrate considering England are the reigning champions and are the third-highest ranked team in the world according to Fifa. But given it was only a few weeks ago that a home defeat by France looked like it would condemn them to third place and the indignity of a two-legged play-off, they have done well to salvage their qualification campaign in a ridiculously tough group that pitched three of the semi-finalists from Euro 2022 against each other.

Yet even when getting the result that secured second place and automatic qualification for the tournament in Switzerland next year, this was another performance from the Lionesses that raised almost as many questions as answers.

Sarina Wiegman’s side have not played well since they returned from Australia and even though they dominated the game against Sweden in terms of possession and territory, there is much to work on ahead of the Euros.

“We have qualified from a really tough group, that was the most important thing, but we have a lot of work to do to improve as both a team and as individuals,” said a candid Wiegman.

“We will arrange games against some top-level opposition, there is no point playing teams from the tier below as the problems we have faced against France and Sweden, they will not be highlighted so much. We need that work.”

England’s Millie Bright consoles Sweden’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – the draw meant England finished in the second automatic qualifying place while Sweden finished third and go into the play-offs Credit: Shutterstock/Bjorn Larsson Rosvall The need for cutting edge in attackThe goals have started to dry up for England and even in games where they create more clear-cut chances than they did against a dogged and physical Sweden defence, they are not converting them, which in turn creates pressure.

Against Sweden, England spent 40 minutes in the Sweden half, but barely tested goalkeeper Zecira Musovic. England did not create a single opening that you would describe as a clear goalscoring opportunity – that is not good enough from either winger or No 10 Ella Toone, whose lack of influence on the team’s play in the final third is being highlighted more and more.

For a player who supposedly produces the big moments in the big games, there has been very little evidence of that recently.

Ella Toone had another frustrating night against Sweden Credit: Getty Images/Naomi Baker In turn, the lack of a goalscoring threat from their wide forwards, Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp, was all too apparent against both Ireland and Sweden. It has been a long season, but England need more penetration from their wingers, more willingness to attack the full-back and run in behind the defence.

As for Alessia Russo, there is so much to admire about the way she plays. She produces wonderful link-up play and runs all day as an outlet up front. She is a constant handful, but when the ball comes into the box, she rarely looks like getting on the end of it.

“The lack of goals, that is absolutely something we have to improve,” said Wiegman, who was visibly exasperated on the touchline when England’s attacks kept breaking down on the final pass.

“We had some great moments with how we connected our play, but in the final third, we have to do better. A lot of that is about decision-making. All I can say is that it is good we have a year to try new things. We need that because it has been a problem for a while.”

Sarina Wiegman was candid about the problems England face Credit: Getty Images/Naomi Baker A new generation to come through for the EurosThere are young players emerging who need to be given more exposure to this level of international football. A must-not-lose game away to Sweden was not the time to experiment, but this has looked like a squad that needs freshening up for a while.

There is a year left to look at new players before the Euros and they need to be given a chance to shine. The return of Chelsea’s Lauren James will instantly lift the creativity and threat in attack, but there are youngsters who need to be given a proper test at this level.

Agnes Beever-Jones has done really well for Chelsea; Tottenham striker Jessica Naz offers something different to Russo; Grace Clinton and Jess Park also deserve a run in the team in the forthcoming friendlies. There could be others who blossom at club level in the autumn too.

“We already have some good young players in the squad but it is going to be about trying new things before the Euros,” said Wiegman.

“We have a good chance to do that now we have qualified, but these young players, they will absolutely get chances. We’ve got players who are knocking on the door and it is not about how young they are. If the quality is there, they are going to play.”

Lionesses draw in Sweden: As it happened Live Reporting Related Stories 16 July 2024 • 11:17pm

8:19PM

England qualify for Euro 2025 There we have it… England have qualified for Euro 2025 after their goalless draw away to Sweden was enough to secure second spot in Group A3.

Plenty of improvement needed by Sarina Wiegman’s side but they have a year now to prepare as they look to defend their crown in Switzerland next summer. Thank you for joining us.

England have qualified for Euro 2024 Credit: Naomi Baker – The FA/The FA Collection 8:15PM

Sarina Wiegman: ‘I am very relieved’ A relieved Sarina Wiegman reflects on her team’s performance. The Dutch manager acknowledged the improvements needed in attacking situations but very happy to have qualified from a tough group.

– England’s need for development and attacking football 📶

– Tonight’s performance

– Heaps praise on Gareth Southgate following his departure 👏

England manager Sarina Wiegman speaks to @KatieShanahan3 following England’s qualification for #WEURO2025 and Southgate’s departure pic.twitter.com/KzKzxHagSl

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 16, 2024 8:09PM

Leah Williamson: ‘We don’t make it easy on ourselves’ A satisfied captain Leah Williamson following England’s progression to the Euros next summer.

8:05PM

Team photo All of the England players and members of staff gather together for a celebratory team photo on the pitch. There seemed to be a slight feeling of disappointment among the players about the nature of the performance immediately at full time but they are making sure now to recognise their achievement too.

8:02PM

Karen Bardsley, former England goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live An immense wave of relief has just washed over me. If you had offered me this result at the start of the game I absolutely would have said, “Yes, I’ll take it.”

However given what has happened in the other game, a goal would have put us in a better position for a qualification seed. But, we’re through!

7:56PM

‘Job done’ for the Lionesses 7:52PM

Full time: Sweden 0 England 0 After a late attack from Sweden the referee blows the full-time whistle and England are through to Euro 2025!

A somewhat unconvincing display from the Lionesses particularly in the second half but they will not care one bit as they secure automatic qualification and second spot in a very tough group.

It was a game of few chances with England dominating much of the opening period and Sweden pushing late on but with neither side produced a moment of real quality in the final third, a goalless draw feels like the fair result.

As for Sweden they will now have to go through the play-offs to book their spot in Switzerland next summer.

England fans celebrate their side’s qualification Credit: David Lidstrom/Getty Images Europe 7:48PM

90+3 min: Sweden 0 England 0 There will be four more minutes for England to endure here. Bright sends it long and finds Kelly in a dangerous position in the box but the whistle blows for a handball it looks like.

Sweden look like they could be in down the other end as Ijeh slips in Kafagi but the experienced Bronze is covering back well to clear. Ella Toone slowly makes way for Fran Kirby who immediately does her team an excellent job as she chases down a long ball to win a throw-in high up the pitch.

7:46PM

90 min: Sweden 0 England 0 It’s another double change for Sweden as Bjorn and Jakobsson come on for Angeldal and Lundkvist.

Meanwhile for England, defender Charles comes on for forward Hemp. England are fully-focused on preserving that clean sheet in these closing stages.

7:41PM

85 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Wow, it’s an incredible dipping effort from Angeldal from range and it nearly catches out Hampton who manages to just about stop it from flying into the top of the goal. It’s backs against the wall for England here. They need to just hold on for another ten minutes.

It was unconvincing again from the young keeper but she did enough. Ijeh picks up a yellow card for a challenge as she looked to follow up the effort from Angeldal.

Hannah Hampton in goal for England Credit: Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/Shutterstock 7:37PM

83 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Sweden are in a threatening position but the final ball into the box is way overhit and balloons well over for a goal-kick. There has been a lack of quality from either side in the final third.

The Republic of Ireland have now taken a 2 goal lead. An incredible result for them as it stands.

Bronze makes a mess of it as she looks to break clear down the right but forgets to take the ball with her. Sweden break back and win the corner. Hampton is unconvincing but gets something on it to flap the ball half-clear before her defence complete the job.

7:35PM

79 min: Sweden 0 England 0 England have to keep pushing for a goal here and win the game. The worry is, knowing all they need is a draw to finish above Sweden in the group, is that they will start to lose the ambition to play, sit back and invite late pressure.

Sweden are a threat at set pieces and while Sarina Wiegman’s side have looked the far better side, this contest still hangs in the balance. France are also trailing 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland so a win could even see England top the group.

7:33PM

75 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Chloe Kelly is brought on for England in place of Beth Mead. It was the Man City forward who scored the crucial goal in extra-time of the 2022 final – can she do the same here?

Kaneryd beats Carter again and delivers a ball in that should have been comfortable for Hampton but the Chelsea keeper spills it at the first attempt before smothering it on the second. She stays down after appearing to get a late kick on the ground there. A break in play follows as a result giving the England players a needed breather.

7:28PM

73 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Elsewhere the Republic of Ireland have taken the lead against France in a shock set of circumstances. A goal for England would take them top.

A couple of sloppy moments from England give Sweden a free-kick and the momentum in this one. Hampton spills the floated ball into the box in a nervy moment and Sweden have the corner but Williamson is there to clear the danger.

7:26PM

71 min: Sweden 0 England 0 The referee awards yet another free-kick to England in a dangerous position. Mead looks again for Bronze again at the back post but from further out this time and her header doesn’t reach the target this time. Mead is walking gingerly after picking up a knock from Angeldal.

Very nearly a penalty for Sweden. A marauding run from Andersson brings them up the pitch and a lovely through ball from Kaneryd finds Kafagi. She nips it away from Williamson who lunges in but Kafagi stays on her feet before winning the corner. She could and perhaps should have gone down under that challenge from the England skipper. Heart in mouth moment for England.

7:22PM

67 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Hemp crosses the ball in from the left-hand side searching for Mead at the back post. Andersson goes down under the challenge from Mead but the referee allows play to continue as the ball drops to ball to Bronze in space. Her low ball is turned behind for a corner.

The initial ball is cleared but when it comes back into the box Williamson does well to loop a cross towards Mead but her header is easy pickings for Musovic.

Lucy Bronze for England Credit: Naomi Baker/The FA Collection 7:17PM

63 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Carter makes the overlapping run but the ball into her path is too strong and it goes out for another goal-kick. Stanway does well to win a series of headers in the England midfield.

Asllani is outraged as the referee gives a goal-kick after the Sweden captain shepherded the ball out expecting a corner. A double-change for Sweden on its way.

Zigiotti and Asllani make way for Kafaji and Bennison.

7:14PM

59 min: Sweden 0 England 0 England look dangerous as Stanway finds Mead down the right. The Arsenal winger pulls it back to Stanway on the right of the box and she does well to get her effort away but it crashes into the side netting at the near post. Much more promising from the Lionesses.

The game slows for a moment as Bronze wins the foul but Bright’s long ball searching for Hemp is overhit and out for a goal-kick. Bright is strong to dispossess Rolfo but Mead’s sloppy ball ends the attack.

7:10PM

55 min: Sweden 0 England 0 England win another soft free-kick on the right-hand side. Mead drills this one deep to he back post and Bronze arrives to direct a header low but into the arms of Musovic. A solid effort from the full-back. That was better from England – targeting the centre of the box wasn’t working in the first half.

Alessia Russo picks up a yellow card for trying to stop Musovic from releasing it quickly.

7:08PM

52 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Asllani is played in down Sweden’s right and is bearing down towards the box but Walsh recovers really well to stop the cross and block it behind for a corner.

England struggle to clear the ball and the it drops to Angeldal who takes it down well in the box and forces a good save from Hampton. The best effort of the match in what was the first shot on target of the match. Sharp from the young keeper but a save you’d expect her to make.

7:04PM

49 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Carter does well to stem an early Sweden counter as England have a lot of the ball early on once again. Williamson’s clearance then turns into a dangerous ball for Hemp over the top. The City winger crosses but Sembrant beats Russo to it.

Russo tries to make something happen as she holds it up well, spins and looks to release Mead but the pass is asking far too much of the Arsenal forward.

7:02PM

46 min: Sweden 0 England 0 England get us underway for this crucial second period kicking from left to right.

The Lionesses know they cannot lose and Sweden know they must win. Something has to give.

7:01PM

Half-time change for Sweden Madelen Janogy makes way at the break for Evelyn Ijeh who started Friday’s game against France.

Can that change up front make the difference for Sweden who need a goal to clinch automatic qualification?

6:54PM

Elsewhere tonight In the other game of Group A3, France are being held at 0-0 by the Republic of Ireland. As it stands France are top of the group, two points ahead of England, who remain three clear of Sweden.

Meanwhile in Group B2, Scotland are 1-0 up against Serbia and will finish top if that stays the same while it’s a similar story for Wales who are 2-0 up against Kosovo.

Northern Ireland are currently being held to a 0-0 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina, which would be enough for them to finish second ahead tonight’s opponents on goal difference.

6:50PM

Half-time thoughts from Luke Edwards The last five minutes of the first half were a reminder of how perilous England’s situation is. They cannot afford to lose the game or they will miss out on automatic qualification for the Euros next summer.

But, having dominated the game in terms of territory and possession, Sweden suddenly put them under pressure at the end of the half and started to stretch the England defence down the flanks. A rising shot from Hanna Lundkvist flew just over and England looked a little unsure at the back after that.

The worry is that, for all their possession, England’s attacking players are not influencing the game at all. Beth Mead and Lauren Hemp has struggled on either flank and Ella Toone simply does not influence a game enough from the number 10 position. Russo has been a willing runner and has linked play well, but hasn’t looked likely to get on the end of anything in the box.

6:46PM

Half-time: Sweden 0 England 0 Sweden’s late pressure continues as it’s worked well down their right but Williamson is there again to momentarily clear. The ball comes straight back though as Sweden have the Lionesses penned in but the half-time whistle comes and somewhat saves England. A great spell of pressure from Sweden in the closing stages of the opening period.

Generally a positive half for Wiegman’s side but they will be disappointed to have not created more with the 67% of possession and will be wary of the Swedish threat after that late surge from Gerhadsson’s side. They will expect more of the same in the second period as Sweden push for the all important opener. Remember – Sweden need a win to qualify automatically tonight.

6:44PM

44 min Sweden 0 England 0 It looks as if Gerhardsson may be thinking about an early change with his side on the back foot as Evelyn Ijeh receives instructions on the bench.

Sweden work it well down their left but Bright heads clear. The ball drops to Lundkvist on the edge of the box and she strikes well but it goes over. It’s then a great chance for Sweden as Angeldal delivers a delightful inswinging cross to the back post that causes the England defence all sorts of problems but Kaneryd can’t get anything on it and it goes wide of the post.

Sweden have enjoyed by far their best spell of the half in these closing stages. England may be happy for the half-time whistle.

6:39PM

40 min Sweden 0 England 0 Carter gives it away to Kaneryd but Williamson covers well to get her team-mate out of trouble. She then finds Stanway who drives towards the edge of the box and produces the first shot of note of the game but the ball whistles low past the left post. A good effort from the Bayern Munich midfielder.

Carter floats a long ball into the box but it’s a similar story as Sweden win the aerial duel. As Sweden look to counter Bronze does well to recover and win it back.

6:35PM

35 min Sweden 0 England 0 Hemp wins it well high up the pitch but can’t quite get the ball in her grasp to capitalise. Angeldal then nearly gives it away to Mead with a sloppy sqaure ball but Mead is unable to control the wayward pass.

Williamson wins the ball well and plays an excellent through ball that releases Russo but the flag is up. That one looked very, very tight. You feel England’s chances will come on the turnover and in the transition with their high pressing and Sweden’s sloppy passing as well as Sweden’s solidity once they revert to a low block.

Alessia Russo looking to run clear Credit: The FA Collection/Naomi Baker 6:31PM

31 min Sweden 0 England 0 England have started really well and are managing to dominate possession and territory but Sweden’s defence has repelled everything thrown at them so far. and they are starting to put a few things together offensively now as well.

England have had a few free kicks and dangerous areas and have failed to make the most of them but this is much better from the Lionesses who seem to have remembered you have to move the ball around quickly if you want to open up a defence.

The physical battle between Magdalena Eriksson – formerly at Chelsea, now at Bayern Munich – and Alessia Russo is a fascinating sideshow too. The defender is constantly bumping into Russo when the ball is nowhere near them, a completely deliberate attempt to unsettle and distract the England striker. To be fair to Russo, she is giving it back too, dropping her shoulder into the centre-back when the referee wasn’t looking a moment ago.

6:30PM

30 min Sweden 0 England 0 Asllani plays in Janogy down Sweden’s left channel and the Fiorentina forward produces a cross but Williamson is there to clear the danger.

Zigiotti Olme gives away a cheap free-kick as she goes through the back of Stanway. There have been a lot of needless fouls from Sweden. The are the stronger in the air again though and are not caused a real problem from the set-piece. You feel England need to switch it up from these free-kicks – they are beaten in the air almost every time.

6:27PM

27 min Sweden 0 England 0 England have dominated the early stages with 77% of the ball but they are yet to register a shot on target. They will be looking to convert this possession into chances ahead of the interval.

Georgia Stanway has enjoyed a lot of the ball early on Credit: Naomi Baker /The FA Collection 6:24PM

25 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Sembrant commits the foul this time as England win yet another free-kick down their left. Beth Mead puts another searching cross in but England’s attackers seemed to be waiting at the back post and Sweden head clear yet again.

There is nearly a freak-goal for England as Stanway closes down a Swedish defender looking to clear. The ball deflects up and loops over just a few inches above the top right corner. The keeper had it covered.

6:20PM

21 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Sweden have their first joy of the match as they work the ball well down their right on two occasions but their low crosses are cleared. There was an excellent piece of skill from Kaneryd to get past her Chelsea team-mate Carter in the midst of that.

Stanway is then released down England’s right and puts a delightful ball in towards Russo who gets something on it but not enough to direct it goal-bound.

6:17PM

17 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Russo presses really well from the front causing Musovic to kick long and gift the ball back. It’s an impressive start from Wiegman’s side playing at a high intensity.

Stanway plays an incisive through ball towards Mead on the turnover but the Arsenal winger is marginally offside. They were nearly in there!

6:14PM

14 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Toone has some more nice touches and sweeps it out to Stanway but her touch lets her down and it’s out for a throw but England win it back quickly. A dominant start from the Lionesses.

Mead wins it back really well high up the pitch and draws the foul from a desperate Lundkvist. It’s the Arsenal winger who delivers an excellent ball in from the left but Sweden are strong aerially once again. Toone keeps it alive though and Bronze wins a dubious foul in an even better position on the right this time. Hemp floats an inviting ball in but an offside is eventually given.

6:09PM

10 min: Sweden 0 England 0 A lovely move from England as Williamson sweeps the ball out wide to Hemp. The Man City winger plays a tidy one-two with Toone and looks to find Russo with a floated cross but it’s headed away.

England look dangerous down the left once again as Russo flicks it on to Toone who feeds Hemp. She tries to return the favour and wins the corner. England play it short but it breaks down and it needs Carter to sweep up to stop the counter.

6:06PM

7 min: Sweden 0 England 0 England are given a soft free-kick after Williamson looks to drive out from the back but is tugged back slightly. The right decision but Sweden unhappy. Bronze picks up another free-kick moments later.

Toone finds a good pocket of space in front of the back four but her pass to Stanway is sloppy and Sweden clear.

6:04PM

4 min: Sweden 0 England 0 Angeldal of Real Madrid wins a free-kick after nipping past Carter. Sweden play it long but England quickly recover the ball and establish some early possession in their own half.

Ella Toone drives into the box from England’s left after being given acres of space and wins an early corner. Mead delivers a good ball in but it is headed clear.

6:01PM

1 min: Sweden 0 England 0 After both sets of players take the knee, Sweden get us underway here in Gothenburg kicking from left to right.

England have never won in Sweden, they will be looking to change that record tonight.

5:58PM

Two minutes away from kick-off The sides have made their way out and we are just moments away from kick-off in Gothenburg.

A must-win for Sweden and a must-not-lose for the Lionesses.

5:57PM

‘Hampton appears to be England’s new number one’ Mary Earps has been left out of the starting line-up. Quite how she will feel about this remains to be seen. But the 31-year-old , voted the world’s best goalkeeper last year, is used to be being one of the star attractions in this England team. So much so, in fact, she took the unusual step of getting out of the dugout against Ireland last week to warm up on the side of the pitch in order to take the acclaim of the crowd.

Hannah Hampton would appear to be England’s new number one. This is a vital game that England cannot lose if they are going to qualify automatically for the Euros next summer and she has been picked ahead of Earps. A big moment for her and the evolution of the team.

5:50PM

Wiegman discusses goalkeeper decision 5:44PM

Wiegman targeting three in a row Lioness boss Sarina Wiegman is looking to secure qualification to have a chance of winning her third European Championship in a row having guided England to glory in 2022, five years on from her success with the Netherlands.

In doing so, the Dutch manager would reach her fifth major final in a row having led both teams to the World Cup final in 2019 and 2023 respectively.

Sarina Wiegman is going for her third Euros in a row Credit: Naomi Baker/The FA Collection 5:36PM

Southgate steps down Earlier today, Gareth Southgate stepped down from his position as manager of the men’s side and admitted that “it’s time for a new chapter”.

England lost the final of the European Championship to Spain, which proved to be Southgate’s final game in charge.

Confirming his departure, Southgate released an emotional statement that said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England.

“It has meant everything to me, and I have given it my all. But it’s time for change, and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”

5:29PM

Williamson ready for the pressure England captain Leah Williamson believes the high-pressure match at hands will bring out the best in the Lionesses.

She said: “100 per cent [it gives us a buzz]. Life’s very boring off the pitch when you’re used to having these scenarios every week.

“So it’s an exciting time, I think that’s what this team is very good at – taking pressurised situations and turning them into exciting ones for us, and we look at the opportunity that’s there.

“We’re coming out here to play the style of football that we think is effective and we think is fairly good at. So, I think if we deliver that game plan it will be an exciting game but hopefully we come out on top.”

Leah Williamson thinks this England side can thrive under pressure Credit: Naomi Baker/The FA Collection 5:21PM

Those teams in full England: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea); Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson © (Arsenal), Alex Greenwood (Man City), Jessica Carter (Chelsea); Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Kiera Walsh (Barcelona), Ella Toone (Man Utd); Lauren Hemp (Man City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal).

Sweden: Zecira Musovic (Chelsea); Hanna Lundkvist (San Diego Waves), Linda Sembrant, Magdalena Eriksson (Bayern Munich), Jonna Andersson (Hammarby); Filippa Angeldal (Real Madrid), Kosovare Asllani © (AC Milan), Julia Zigiotti Olme (Brighton); Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea), Madelen Janogy (Fiorentina), Fridolina Rolfo (Barcelona).

5:17PM

Five changes for Sweden Peter Gerhadsson makes five changes to his side that lost 2-1 against France on Friday as captain Kosovare Asllani is among those to return to the starting eleven.

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Så här ställer Sverige upp i den avgörande EM-kvalmatchen mot England.

Avspark 19.00 på ett utsålt Gamla Ullevi 🔥

📱 Följ liverapportering och rösta i Carlsberg Player Of The Match i vår app Min Fotboll ⤵️

— Svensk Fotboll (@svenskfotboll) July 16, 2024 5:09PM

Mary Earps misses out again Mary Earps misses out once again as 23-year-old Hannah Hampton keeps her place after Friday night’s match against the Republic of Ireland.

Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright and Ella Toone come in for Maya Le Tissier, Alex Greenwood and Jessica Park in the three changes made by Sarina Wiegman.

5:07PM

Wiegman’s reigning champions must avoid defeat to qualify Good evening and welcome to live coverage of Euro 2025 qualification as England look to guarantee a spot in next summer’s tournament in Switzerland as they take on Sweden in Gothenburg in their final game of Group A3. The Lionesses are the reigning European champions having won the tournament on home soil in 2022 but defeat tonight would see them enter the play-offs with only the top two of the group automatically qualifying.

With Sweden currently three points behind England, a draw tonight at the Gamla Ullevi stadium would be enough for Sarina Wiegman’s side to clinch second in the group. The Lionesses could yet finish in top spot should France fail to beat the Republic of Ireland but with the French two points ahead and the Republic of Ireland yet to register a point, this is somewhat unlikely.

England’s 2-1 defeat over the Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road on Friday was their third win in five games in this year’s qualification campaign. This followed a 2-1 win away to France and the Lionesses will take confidence from their record on the road having only dropped points in a home defeat against the French and a 1-1 draw in the opening group game against Sweden at Wembley in April.

England don’t have to look much further for better memories against tonight’s opponents having beaten Sweden 4-0 in the semi-final en route to their 2022 triumph. One of England’s four goalscorers that night was Alessia Russo and it was the Arsenal forward who opened the scoring on Friday night’s clash with her third goal in qualifying, making her England’s top scorer in their five matches.

Russo has been a key figure in the tenure of Wiegman, who is looking to make it to hree finals in three major tournaments since taking over in 2021. The Dutch manager will also be dreaming of a third successive European title having tasted glory in 2017 while in charge of the Netherlands

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