England secured automatic qualification for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 with a 0-0 draw away to Sweden.
England dominated a scrappy contest but their closest chance came from a 53rd minute header by Lucy Bronze, which was saved by Zecira Musovic.
The result meant that England qualified automatically as League A3 runners-up behind France, after the Les Bleues suffered a shock 3-1 loss away to Republic of Ireland through goals from Denise O’Sullivan, Julie-Ann Russell and Anna Patten.
Sweden meanwhile join Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland amongst various teams to contest the Qualifying Play-Offs in the Autumn.
Speaking to ITV post-match, England captain, Leah Williamson warned that the Lionesses are capable of higher performance levels come next summer in Switzerland despite some difficult performances in Qualifying.
“A lot more. We took care of business, we qualified and we can get the most out of ourselves before the tournament. We did that the last time and we all know how that went.”
Sweden came into this game in desperate need of victory to snatch automatic qualification, whereas England just needed to avoid defeat which suited them given their winless away record against the Swedes.
It was therefore little surprise that the game was cagey with little real opportunities in the opening half-hour, aside from Alessia Russo’s fumble of Beth Mead’s 18th minute cross just yards from the goal.
Sweden failed to find their usual fluid counter-attacking flair as Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses comfortably dominated the first-half, in which Georgia Stanway saw a 37th minute shot deflected by Zecira Musovic.
Hanna Lundkvist eventually mustered a late chance for Sweden before half-time as a free-kick was cleared to her feet, but the 21 year-old rifled her shot over the bar.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd then curled wide a minute later from a mistake by Jess Carter, as Sweden began to click albeit with no breakthrough for nether team in a goalless first half.
Sweden manager – Peter Gerhardsson however opted to substitute Madelen Janogy for Evelyn Ijeh at half-time to try and ignite their attacking spark.
Despite England’s dominance continuing early in the second half, Sweden claimed the first opportunity of the half on goal, as Filippa Angeldahl’s shot was blocked by Hannah Hampton following a 50th minute Swedish attack into the box.
England soon regained control and won a 53rd minute free-kick but Musovic was alert to save Lucy Bronze’s header, before Stanway fired into the side-netting two minutes later.
Musovic once again kept Sweden’s qualification hopes alive with her save of Leah Williamson’s rebound touch, from a corner clearance in the 64th minute.
Williamson however got lucy four minutes later as she lunged in on Sweden substitute, Rosa Kafaji but the Swede stayed on her feet rather than go down to win a soft penalty.
Across in Dublin, O’Sullivan and Russell had put Ireland ahead at home to France – which meant that victory would see England top their group ahead of Herve Renard’s Les Bleues.
England however were handed an almighty scare as Angeldahl curled towards the top-left corner in the 83d minute, but Hampton made a crucial save to keep England’s fate in their own hands.
Wiegman’s Lionesses eventually dug deep to snatch the point needed to guarantee their automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament from 2-27 July 2025.
Speaking to ITV post-match, Wiegman was “happy” to have wrapped up qualification despite a dip in quality in the second half.
“I’m happy, I’m very relieved because it was a tough game. The first half I think we dominated. When you are so dominant we have to create more chances and score goals. In the second half we couldn’t keep up that level.
“We did fight for it. I think we can do a little bit better, but keeping the 0-0, qualifying in this group, I am relieved.”
Wiegman also took a moment to pay tribute to Gareth Southgate following confirmation of his exit as manager of England Men’s Team, as she praised him for his support and impact on the English game.
“He is such a nice person and a great coach. We wouldn’t see each other all the time but when we would see each other it was very nice.
“What he has done for England football is really incredible. He can be very proud of himself. England is very proud of him and me as a Dutch I am very proud of him too.”
Sweden meanwhile face the lottery of the play-offs this autumn if want to secure their spot at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Teams
Sweden – Zecira Musovic, Jonna Andersson, Magdalena Eriksson, Linda Sembrant, Hanna Lundkvist (Jakobsson 88′), Julia Zigiotti Olme (Bennison 62′), Kosovare Asllani (Kafaji 63′), Filippa Angeldahl (Bjorn 88′), Fridolina Rolfo, Madelen Janogy (Ijeh 46′), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
Substitutes: Hanna Bennison, Nathalie Bjorn, Jennifer Falk, Hanna Glas, Emma Holmgren, Evelyn Ijeh, Sofia Jakobsson, Rosa Kafaji, Elin Rubensson, Josefine Rybrink, Anna Sandberg, Matilda Vinberg
England – Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone (Kirby 93′), Beth Mead (Kelly 74′), Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp (Charles 90′)
Substitutes: Niamh Charles, Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Chloe Kelly, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever Jones, Jess Park, Khiara Keating, Jess Naz, Millie Turner
Referee: Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi (Italy)
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