Reigning champions England resume their title defence against Sweden in the Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-finals on Thursday, July 17 at 8pm (UK time).
The Lionesses have recovered from a slow start to the tournament, but face a tricky test against a side boasting three wins from three in Switzerland.
It promises to be an intriguing battle, which will be shown live on BBC One, at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich. Find our match preview and best bets from expert tipster Anthony Eadson below.
England Women/Over 3.5 (11/2 with Betfred)
The two sides scored a combined 19 goals during the group stage, while no other nation bettered their expected goals figure of 9.34.
England and Sweden are renewing their rivalry, having also met in the 2022 semi-finals, with Sarina Wiegman’s side running out 4-0 winners on their way to lifting the trophy.
The Lionesses boast a perfect record in European Championship quarter-finals, winning all three such matches. At the same time, they have also progressed from each of their five most recent last-eight ties at major tournaments.
That recent experience and know-how may just give them the edge over Sweden, which last reached the final in 2001.
Alessia Russo to score first (6/1 with Bet365)
Russo had to be patient before finally opening her account at the tournament in the rout of Wales on matchday three. However, it is normally during the business end of major competitions that she comes to life.
The Arsenal forward has now scored eight goals for England at major tournaments, a tally only bettered by record marksman Ellen White (10).
Russo has also netted three goals in her last six knockout stage appearances in these competitions, including one against Sweden in the Euro 2022 semi-finals, so you would expect her to be on the scoresheet once more here.
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How both teams go into Sweden vs England
Sweden have been one of the standout teams so far in Switzerland. Blagult sailed through Group C with three victories from three, while scoring eight goals and conceding just once. Having sealed their qualification for the quarter-finals with a game to spare, they then made a statement with an impressive 4-1 victory over eight-time champions Germany to secure top spot.
England made a stuttering start to their title defence, losing 2-1 to France in their opener. Nevertheless, Sarina Wiegman’s side have responded in emphatic fashion, with 10 goals for the loss of just one. The Netherlands – champions in 2017 – were ruthlessly swept aside 4-0, before tournament debutants Wales were hit for six as the Lionesses secured second place in Group D.
Sweden team news
Fresh from three straight victories and just one goal conceded, Peter Gerhardsson is unlikely to tinker much with his side.
Stina Blackstenius and Lina Hurtig are their top scorers with two goals each, and both will be looking to add to their tallies in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, skipper Kosovare Asllani will be treading carefully, as a yellow card would rule her out of the semi-finals, should the Swedes get there.
England team news
Similarly, Sarina Wiegman will not want to tweak her side much, especially with them having scored 10 goals in their last two matches.
Following their 4-0 victory over the Netherlands, England were unchanged against Wales, whose defence was breached a further six times. With confidence growing and a settled team, there will certainly be no wholesale changes. Though, Wiegman will be wary of Ella Toone, who is another yellow card away from suspension.
Sweden vs England head-to-head
England have won just one of their last six meetings with Sweden. Although, crucially, that victory came courtesy of a 4-0 rout in the Women’s Euro 2022 semi-finals.
| Date | Fixture | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 16/07/24 | Sweden 0-0 England | European Championship |
| 05/04/24 | England 1-1 Sweden | European Championship |
| 26/07/22 | England 4-0 Sweden | European Championship |