Sweden vs England – Women’s Euro 2025 Quarterfinal Preview, Prediction & Lineups

Hey, soccer fans! Prajwal Kamble here, your go-to sports blogger with two years of diving deep into the beautiful game.

The Women’s Euro 2025 is heating up, and we’re in for a blockbuster quarterfinal clash between Sweden and England on July 17, 2025, at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich. This match is a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, where England crushed Sweden 4-0, but don’t let that fool you this time, it’s going to be a nail-biter As a passionate fan and analyst, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this epic showdown, from team form to predicted lineups and my bold prediction. Let’s dive in.

The Stage Is Set: Sweden vs England in Euro 2025

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 has been a thrilling ride so far, and this quarterfinal is a clash of titans. England, the defending champions, are looking to keep their crown, while Sweden, the 1984 champs, are hungry to prove they’re back at their best.

Both teams have been on fire in the group stage, each racking up an impressive 9.34 expected goals (xG), the highest in the tournament alongside Spain. This game isn’t just about advancing to the semi-finals—it’s about pride, revenge, and a shot at glory in Basel on July 27.

Sweden topped Group C with a perfect record, including a stunning 4-1 win over Germany, showing they’re a force to be reckoned with. England, meanwhile, bounced back from a 2-1 loss to France in Group D with emphatic wins over the Netherlands (4-0) and Wales (6-1).

As a fan, I’m buzzing with excitement, but I know this matchup will be tight—both teams drew twice in last year’s qualifiers (1-1 and 0-0), so expect a battle.

Team Breakdown: Sweden’s Resurgence

Sweden, nicknamed the Blågult, have been a revelation in Euro 2025. Under coach Peter Gerhardsson, they’ve won all three group games, including a narrow 1-0 victory over Denmark, a 3-0 rout of Poland, and that jaw-dropping 4-1 thrashing of Germany.

Stina Blackstenius has been their star, scoring twice against Germany and netting six goals in her last five international games. She’s a nightmare for defenders, and as an Arsenal fan, I can tell you she’s lethal when given space.

The Swedes are clinical in attack, with a 30.8% shot conversion rate against Germany and a tournament-leading 61 open-play crosses. Their right flank, led by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, has been deadly, with her completing eight crosses twice as many as any other player.

But their defense, which conceded just one goal in the group stage, will face a tough test against England’s pacey attackers.

Key players to watch:

• Stina Blackstenius: Arsenal’s striker is in red-hot form, ready to punish England’s backline.
• Fridolina Rolfö: Her header in the 2024 qualifier draw shows she’s a clutch performer.
• Kosovare Asllani: Sweden’s captain brings experience and creativity, with a goal and two assists in the group stage.

England’s Title Defense: The Lionesses Roar

England, led by the brilliant Sarina Wiegman, are on a mission to make history as the first senior England team to retain a major trophy. After a shaky start with a 2-1 loss to France, the Lionesses found their groove, smashing the Netherlands and Wales with 11 goals combined. Lauren James and Ella Toone have been unstoppable, each scoring twice, while Alessia Russo’s work rate and three major tournament knockout goals make her a fan favorite.

Wiegman’s squad is balanced—solid at the back with just three goals conceded and deadly in attack with eight different scorers in the group stage. Their 4-2-3-1 formation allows James to shine on the right wing, where she’s completed three dribbles and created four chances. As a blogger who’s followed England’s journey, I love how Wiegman’s tactics bring out the best in players like Russo and Toone, who have a natural chemistry on the pitch.

Key players to watch:

• Lauren James: Her flair and eight goal involvements in major tournaments make her a game-changer.
• Alessia Russo: Her selfless play and knack for big moments (like her iconic backheel in 2022) are key.
• Ella Toone: With two goals and two assists, she’s thriving in her attacking midfield role.

Head-to-Head: A Rivalry Renewed

This will be the 10th Euros meeting between Sweden and England, and the history is spicy. England’s 4-0 win in the 2022 semi-final was a statement, but Sweden have knocked England out twice before (1984 final and 1987 semi-final). Recent form suggests a closer contest—both 2024 qualifiers ended in draws (1-1 at Wembley and 0-0 in Gothenburg). Sweden are unbeaten in four home games against England, but the Lionesses haven’t lost to Sweden in their last three meetings.

As a fan, I still get chills thinking about Russo’s backheel in 2022, but Sweden’s captain, Kosovare Asllani, has said, “The fun starts now,” and you can bet they’re out for revenge. This game could go down to the wire, maybe even to penalties, given how evenly matched these teams are.

Predicted Lineups

Sweden (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Jennifer Falk
• Defenders: Hanna Lundkvist, Linda Sembrant, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson
• Midfielders: Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani (C), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Julia Zigiotti Olme, Fridolina Rolfö
• Forward: Stina Blackstenius

Hanna Lundkvist could return to the backline after missing the Germany game, and Rolfö is likely to keep her spot after her recent start.

England (4-2-3-1)

• Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton
• Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson (C), Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood
• Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Lauren James, Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp
• Forward: Alessia Russo

Wiegman is expected to stick with the same XI that dominated the Netherlands and Wales, with no injuries reported.

Tactical Breakdown: What to Expect

Sweden’s game plan will likely focus on their right flank, using Kaneryd’s crosses to feed Blackstenius. Their high pressing and direct play could exploit England’s defense if they’re caught napping. However, their backline might struggle against England’s pace, especially James and Hemp.

England, on the other hand, will dominate possession, as they did in the qualifiers, and look to stretch Sweden with quick wing play. Wiegman’s ability to adapt in knockout games gives England an edge, but they’ll need to be sharp to handle Sweden’s counter-attacks led by Blackstenius.

My Prediction: A Tight Battle

As a soccer nut who’s been breaking down games for two years, I’m calling this one a close call. The Opta supercomputer gives England a 61.1% chance of reaching the semi-finals, with a 49.4% win probability in 90 minutes compared to Sweden’s 26.5%. But Sweden’s form, especially their Germany win, makes them dangerous. I think England’s experience and Wiegman’s tactical nous will just edge it, but don’t be surprised if this goes to extra time or penalties.

Score Prediction: Sweden 1-2 England (after extra time)

How to Watch Sweden vs England

Can’t make it to Zurich? No worries! Here’s how you can catch the action:

• India: FanCode app and website, July 18, 2025, at 12:30 AM IST
• UK: BBC One and BBC iPlayer, July 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM BST
• USA: FOX, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports App, July 17, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET
• Australia: Optus Sport, July 18, 2025, at 5:00 AM AEST
• Sweden: SVT and Viaplay, July 17, 2025, at 9:00 PM CEST

Why This Match Matters

This isn’t just a game—it’s a chance for England to keep their dream of back-to-back titles alive and for Sweden to show they’re back among Europe’s elite. As a fan, I’m rooting for the Lionesses, but I respect Sweden’s grit and talent. The winner faces Norway or Italy in the semi-finals, and with the final at St. Jakob-Park looming, every moment counts.

A Fan’s Take: Why I Love This Game

As Prajwal Kamble, I’ve been hooked on soccer since I was a kid, and covering the sport for two years has only deepened my love for it. Matches like Sweden vs England are why ứng