England vs Sweden: Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses should not take Euro 2025 quarter-final opponents for granted – or else | Football News
Put a little respect on the name of Sweden.
Much of the conversation on the next quarter-final was 4-0 euros, England, three years ago in the semi-finals and the famous return hold of Alessia Russo.
The lionesses, however, are not listening to Sweden. In fact, they respect them deeply because for years they wanted to be them.
“The previous results of Sweden during the tournaments are incredible. They are relentless,” admits the captain of the Lionesses Leah Williamson.
England has never beat Sweden only four times in their 29 previous games. Sweden beat England four times in the European championships only.
In addition, the two sets of players know each other well. 14 from the Swedish team have already played for or are currently employed by English clubs.
England avoided Spain and Germany on their side of the draw in euros
Magdalena Eriksson won five WSL titles with Chelsea, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Natalie Bjorn have just won the triples in the same club, while three Swedes were in the Arsenal team who won the Champions League in May.
The most famous trio is Stina Blackstenius, who scored the winning goal in Lisbon to ensure the largest arsenal prix in 18 years.
Williamson faces Blackstenius to train every day and admits that his club teammate does not receive the respect she deserves.
Leah Williamson and his teammate Arsenal Stina Blackstenius will face the head when England will face Sweden in Euro 2025
“She is a great player and has been for many years now. Her experience is talking about herself,” warns Williamson.
It is not only Blackstenius who, according to England, is disrespected, it is the same thing throughout the team.
Sweden were not many people for the favorites for the tournament, but they might have had to play a bigger role in the discussion.
They exceeded a group with eight winners in Germany, driving them 4-1. They have not lost a match for over a year, launched USA defending champions of the 2023 World Cup and are sixth in the world ranking of FIFA, just a place below England.
Sweden was 4-1 winner against Germany in their last match of group D
“Sweden is good,” insists Georgia Stanway. “They are a direct team, they are physical and they can give us challenges. I don’t think we have played this style of play.”
Until now, England has prepared for an athletic and skilled French team, followed by potential pay countries, then a Wales team should defend itself for life.
Sweden offers another type of threat.
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England midfielder Georgia Stanway speaks to Anton Toloui of Sky Sports News after the 6-1 victory of Lionesses on Wales to send them to the quarter-finals of Euro 2025
The England team was preparing for long balls, force tests, a cross bombing, dangerous wingers, fast breaks and sensational decorations.
For all speeches on “good England”, this game could be the most “English” shock in the whole competition.
It could be a disjointed, physical and uncomfortable meeting, but an entertaining match nevertheless. The two teams are not afraid to leave figuratively and literally leave their mark.
England has sent its rivals wrapped in the last euros humiliating.
A victory for a very motivated Swedish team will not only give them revenge, it will send a message to the rest of the competition that they should not have been struck off in the first place.
