Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani has launched a scathing critique of the scheduling decision to pit England against Sweden in a friendly just days before their crucial Women's Euro 2025 qualifier, branding the move as 'disrespectful' to the women's game.
The two footballing powerhouses are set to clash at Wembley on Friday 5 April in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. However, the timing has raised eyebrows, with Sweden facing a vital Euro 2025 qualifying match against France just four days later on 9 April.
Asllani's Fiery Critique
'It's disrespectful to play such an important friendly right before a qualification game,' Asllani told Aftonbladet. 'It shows a lack of consideration for the players and the development of women's football.'
The Swedish star, who plays for AC Milan, didn't mince her words when highlighting the physical toll such scheduling could take: 'We're not robots. To face England at Wembley and then play France days later is incredibly demanding.'
England's Perspective
While Sweden have voiced their concerns, England's Ella Toone sees the fixture differently. The Manchester United midfielder views the match as valuable preparation for their own Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
'Playing against top teams like Sweden is exactly what we need to test ourselves ahead of the qualifiers,' Toone explained. 'These are the matches that push us to improve.'
Broader Implications
The scheduling controversy highlights ongoing challenges in women's football as the sport continues to grow. With increasing demands on players, finding the right balance between preparation and recovery remains a contentious issue.
As both teams prepare for their Wembley showdown, the debate serves as a reminder of the need for better coordination in the women's football calendar to protect player welfare while maintaining competitive standards.
