England To Defend European Title In Switzerland
England will defend their European crown in Switzerland next year after securing automatic qualification following a nervous draw with Sweden.
Only the top two teams from their qualification group booked their spot at Euro 2025, while the other two nations dropped into the play-offs.
England started well, controlling possession and building pressure, but rarely tested goalkeeper Zecira Musovic in a quiet first half.
Alessia Russo was inches away from connecting with Georgia Stanway’s dangerous cross before the Bayern Munich midfielder struck wide.
Sweden, who were organised defensively, had their first shot on the stroke of half-time but Hanna Lundkvist fired over, before Johanna Rytting Kaneryd poked an effort into the side-netting.
It was not until the second half that they began to show more of an attacking threat, knowing only victory would be enough for automatic qualification.
Meanwhile, Sarina Wiegman’s England side knew they only needed a point but they needlessly welcomed pressure, making for a frantic ending in Gothenburg.
Sweden pushed hard for a winner, piling pressure on goalkeeper Hannah Hampton – selected ahead of Mary Earps – and the Chelsea stopper made some errors.
Hampton fumbled a few crosses meaning England’s defence was scrambling to clear the ball under pressure, while a midfield that had performed strongly in the first half lacked energy as the match wore on.
In the end, it was a huge relief to hear the full-time whistle go at Gamla Ullevi Stadium as England scraped through qualification in an automatic spot, finishing second in League A3, while third-placed Sweden must navigate two rounds of play-offs.
“I’m relieved and to be honest happy because we wanted to qualify from these group stages and prevent going to the play-offs. Now we can prepare for the Euros,” said Wiegman afterwards.
England book spot at Euro 2025 but must improve.
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