By Jamie Spencer
How they reached the final eight
Sweden emerged from a tough Group C with a 100% file. A dominant opener in opposition to Denmark completed 1-0 however was characterised by wasteful ending after underperforming their xG (2.39). Peter Gerhardsson’s aspect underperformed xG (3.89) a second time in opposition to Poland, profitable 3-0, however scored twice in opposition to the run of play to come back from behind and beat Germany 4-1 in a extra scientific outing.
England had a bumpier journey, humbled by France in sport one, earlier than turning up with a 4-0 thrashing when it mattered in opposition to the Netherlands, Beating Wales subsequent was required to maintain their future in their very own arms, and the Lionesses took no possibilities with a 6-1 score-line.
Head-to-Head
It is a repeat of a one-sided semi-final three summers in the past. England cruised to a 4-0 win that day – together with Alessia Russo’s iconic backheel, successfully laying down their credentials as champions.
Sweden prevailed, on penalties, when the pair met within the first ever European Championship ultimate again in 1984 – it was performed over two legs in these days. The Swedes received, in extra-time, within the 1987 semi-finals, earlier than successive group stage wins over the Lionesses in 2001 (4-0) and 2005 (1-0).
Within the Euros alone, it’s two England wins, 4 for Sweden, and one draw. They confronted one another in qualifying for these finals too, with each matches ending all sq. (1-1 and 0-0).
Sweden’s conductor
Even at 35 years of age, Kosovare Asllani has been pulling the strings. The previous Paris Saint-Germain and Actual Madrid star, who will grace the WSL subsequent season after not too long ago serving to London Metropolis Lionesses to promotion, has 4 targets and assists at this event from the No. 10 function. Sweden produce other threats, however stopping her is England’s apparent goal.
Toone’s key function
Ella Toone didn’t begin for England in opposition to France, however her addition to the staff for the video games since has introduced a greater steadiness to the midfield, with and with out the ball.
“Folks discuss her offensively, however the defensive work she does for me and Georgia [Stanway] is unbelievable,” Keira Walsh instructed reporters after the Lionesses beat Wales. “She covers loads of areas that we are able to’t. That’s most likely been the principle factor that’s stopped different groups from taking part in.”
Toone has been by way of big private strife after shedding her father, Nick, final 12 months however is rediscovering her greatest kind. “I really feel like I’m in a very good place, I’ve missed this Ella Toone,” she instructed BBC Sport. “I’ve not had it for some time. I really feel like I’m actually coming into it.”
Crew information
Sarina Wiegman was delighted to make it by way of the group stage with out accidents and is predicted to select the identical staff that beat the Netherlands and Wales. Attacking depth from the bench could possibly be a key issue later within the tie, although.
Winger Fridolina Rolfö began for the primary time this event in Sweden’s third group sport (and scored) after recovering from an ankle damage. Nathalie Björn has had a special centre-back accomplice for every outing thus far, whereas Julia Zigiotti Olme is vying with Hanna Bennison to start out in midfield.
Prediction
Sweden’s tendency for profligacy witnessed of their first two video games shouldn’t be a brand new trait. It was evident in qualifying, in opposition to England, which might bode effectively for the Lionesses if they’ll stay defensively resilient. Scoring in opposition to the Swedes is the more durable process, however Wiegman’s staff is purring in that sense now. Sweden 1-2 England (after additional time).
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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