England have been warned not to underestimate Sweden in the Euro 2025 quarter-final, with the Lionesses facing a side still wounded by their humiliating 4-0 semi-final defeat to the same opponents three years ago. Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, writing for the BBC, said the Swedes are a much stronger proposition now and will be out for revenge.
Sweden arrive in Zurich on a 15-game unbeaten run, having impressed in the group stage. Hayes described them as the most tactical, studious and team-oriented players she has ever coached, warning that they leave their egos at the door. Despite ranking only seventh individually among tournament sides, their collective strength makes them a major threat to the holders.
Key players include midfielder Kosovare Asllani, Filippa Angeldal, and defender Nathalie Björn, while right-back Smilla Holmberg has emerged as a real talent. Coach Peter Gerhardsson, in his final tournament with the team, is calm and consistent, unlikely to take risks but highly organised in a compact 4-4-2 shape.
Hayes cautioned against the assumption that avoiding Germany was a blessing, arguing that Sweden's stingy defence poses a tougher test than Germany's more vulnerable backline. She highlighted the physical pace and power of Sweden in transition, similar to the problems France caused England earlier in the tournament.
For England, Lauren James has been in brilliant form, while Ella Toone is playing with a renewed edge, exploiting spaces between defenders. Hayes stressed that if Sweden sit too low, England's creative players can pick them apart, but warned that the Scandinavians have learned from their 2022 failure and will be highly organised out of possession.
