England have been cautioned against complacency ahead of their Euro 2025 quarter-final against Sweden, with the Lionesses urged to respect a side transformed since their 4-0 semi-final defeat three years ago. Sweden enter the clash on a 15-game unbeaten run and have impressed throughout the tournament, leaving them a formidable opponent despite their 2022 humiliation.
Sweden's tactical discipline and team cohesion have been highlighted as key strengths. Players such as Kosovare Asllani, Filippa Angeldal, and defender Nathalie Björn have excelled, while Johanna Rytting Kaneryd impressed against Poland. The emergence of right-back Smilla Holmberg has further bolstered Peter Gerhardsson's squad, which plays a compact 4-4-2 formation and is known for its stingy defence.
Gerhardsson, in his final tournament in charge, is expected to set up an organised block, potentially absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter-attack. England, however, boast in-form attackers Lauren James and Ella Toone, who have been exploiting spaces and making impactful runs. The match in Zurich promises to be a stern test for the holders.
Emma Hayes, writing in her column, stressed that Sweden's wound from 2022 makes them dangerous. 'Swedish players are the most tactical I've coached, the most studious, and they leave their ego at the door,' she said, adding that England's defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed by Sweden's transitional threat similar to France.
