Women’s Euro 2025: England Take on Sweden in High-Stakes Quarters
England face Sweden tonight (Thursday, July 17) at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich in a crucial Women’s Euro quarter-final (kick-off at 8 pm BST, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer) 1.
📰 Form Guide & Match Context
- England recovered from their opening 2–1 defeat to France with dominant wins over the Netherlands (4‑0) and Wales (6‑1), finishing second in Group D 2.
- Sweden topped Group C with a perfect record, including a statement 4‑1 win over Germany, and remain unbeaten in their last 15 matches 3.
🔝 Team Strengths & Battlegrounds
The xG (expected goals) stats show both sides lead the competition, with England and Sweden tied at 9.34 xG in group play 4. Expect an end‑to‑end affair.
🎙️ Key Voices
Veteran Lucy Bronze emphasizes the significance of this match—not just for silverware but for the growth of women’s football. She cites the “proper England” identity, highlighting unity and resilience 5.
Midfielder Ella Toone adds spice: “they should be scared,” after England’s 6‑1 rout of Wales 6.
Sweden’s veteran Kosovare Asllani echoes that the tournament truly begins now, drawing on her wealth of experience at this level 7.
⚙️ Tactical Matchups
- England’s midfield—Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone—is the engine. Opponents are focusing on Walsh’s influence 8.
- Sweden’s flank dominance stands out: 65 % of their attacks stem from the right, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd leading the charge 9.
📊 Head-to-Head
- England haven’t lost in their last six matches against Sweden (D3 L2), with the last two ending level in qualifiers (0‑0 and 1‑1) 10.
- At Euros, England hold the edge: three wins and just one loss to Sweden in the last five meetings. Sweden are yet to achieve four straight wins at the tournament 11.
- England have won all three previous Euros quarter-finals (2009, 2017, 2022) 12.
🔮 Prediction and What to Watch
Opta forecasts England (~49 % win probability) edging it in regulation, with a ~61 % chance of reaching the semis including extra time or penalties 13. Many expect a close game—possibly decided late or in a shootout.
Key battles to follow:
• Russo vs Sweden's central defence (England’s leading shooter) 14.
• Sweden’s counter-attacks via Blackstenius and Rytting Kaneryd 15.
• England’s midfield control under pressure on Walsh and Stanway 16.
🏟️ Where and How to Watch
Date & Time: Thursday, July 17 — 20:00 BST
TV: BBC One (UK)
Streaming: BBC iPlayer globally, plus regional broadcasts (e.g., Stan Sport AUS, TSN Canada, beIN Sports etc.) 17.
--- 🔎 **Final Word**: Expect a tactical, high‑intensity affair featuring midfield battles, attacking flair, and razor‑edge tension—true knockout football.🇬🇧🇸🇪
