Sweden v England LIVE: Result and reaction as Lionesses qualify for Euro 2025
Sweden 0-0 England: Sarina Wiegman’s side secured their place in next summer’s tournament thanks to a goalless draw
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England secured their place at Euro 2025 after a nervous end to their final qualifying match away in Sweden.
The Lionesses started the match well after three changes from Sarina Wiegman brought Lucy Bronze, Ella Toone and Millie Bright back into the team. They dominated the ball over the first half, passing with tempo and looking for the opening goal. Alessia Russo and Georgia Stanway both had decent efforts but the Lionesses failed to utilise their dominance in front of goal.
As the match progressed Sweden grew in confidence and desperation. The hosts, knowing they needed to win to get through, introduced Rosa Kafaji and Evelyn Ijeh in the second half.
Both substitutes were quick and direct but the restored partnership of Bright and Leah Williamson kept them at bay. The final 10 minutes were a nervous affair but England held out and will defend their title at the Euros next summer.
Relive the action as England take on Sweden in Euro 2025 qualifying:
England qualify for Euro 2025 despite goalless draw against Sweden
England secured direct qualification to Euro 2025 following a goalless draw with Sweden in Gothenburg.
The Lionesses dominated possession in the first half but their only real chances came from Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze.
The hosts suddenly sprung into action with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Filippa Angeldal having great opportunities either side of half-time before Sweden pushed for a goal in the final stages.
England qualify for Euro 2025 despite goalless draw against Sweden
Sweden 0-0 England: Sarina Wiegman’s side will defend their title in Switzerland next summer
FT Sweden 0-0 England
England boss Sarina Wiegman speaking to ITV: “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.
“I am very happy. I take many positives. This game and against France showed in moments we played so good, we just want to keep up.
“We need a year. You see moments we played really well. We want to do that longer and also when the pressure goes up.”
FT Sweden 0-0 England
England captain Leah Williamson speaking to ITV: “We don’t make it easy for ourselves when we don’t score. We’ve seen out a game, same in France. These are tough places to come.
“They had a change of tactics, they have different threats. We stood firm and we stayed true. We couldn’t play the football we wanted to play the second half which put us under a lot of pressure.
“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.”
FT Sweden 0-0 England
Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley gave her reaction on BBC Radio 5 Live saying:
“It’s safe to say that England have limped over the line in this qualification campaign instead of charging over it. The Lionesses will be so pleased that they have automatically qualified as it puts an element of control into your preparation.
“Being able to know when you can plot friendlies in and among the domestic calendar is really important. You can work on new things, formations, new faces, additional tactics.”
FT Sweden 0-0 England
Full-time! Sweden 0-0 England
90+4 mins: There goes the full-time whistle!
England have done it. A goalless draw in Gothenberg is enough to send the Lionesses to Euro 2025. They finish second in Group A3 with a middling performance with plenty of areas to improve.
Their defence held out in the end and the result was all that mattered tonight.
Sweden 0-0 England
90 mins: Niamh Charles comes on in the final minute to replace Lauren Hemp. That’s a clear sign that Sarina Wiegman wants to close out this match and get qualification secured.
There’s going to be four minutes of added time to play.
Sweden 0-0 England
87 mins: There’s a bit of game management in play from England now. They’ve got themselves on the ball and slot it nicely along the left wing.
A switch of play brings it to Lucy Bronze who knocks a pass back to Georgia Stanway. She hits a half shot/half cross into the area and watches as Zecira Musovic plucks it out of the air.
Time is ticking by. Will there be a goal?
Sweden 0-0 England
84 mins: Save!
Filippa Angeldal smokes a shot at goal from a long way out. The ball dips and swerves right at the last moment but Hannah Hampton manages to keep it.
That was awkward but England are still on level terms.
Sweden 0-0 England
83 mins: Hannah Hampton has really struggled from set pieces, especially trying to collect or clear the ball. She hasn’t been a powerful presence but England’s defenders have been nearby to help her clear the danger.
Sweden are the aggressors now. England are holding on and trying to keep the hosts out.
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