Sweden will provide England with their toughest test so far with Chelsea defender and captain Magdalena Eriksson as their leader and rock at the back and Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius fronting up their attack
- Sweden are set to face England in the semi-final of Euro 2022 on Tuesday night
- They beat Belgium 1-0 on Friday evening to secure their place in the semi-final
- Sweden will provide England with their toughest test despite a poor group stage
- Blackstenius is a pacy and skilful forward who will link up with Kosovare Asllani
- While Barcelona forward Fridonlina Rolfo is another threat for the Lionesses
As the highest ranked team at Euro 2022 (at No 2 in the world), Sweden will provide England with their toughest test so far despite being slightly underwhelming at the start of the group stage, with a 1-1 draw against Holland and a 2-1 victory over Switzerland.
But they have improved with each game, beating Portugal 5-0 before dispatching Belgium last night.
Although they lack a standout name, the Swedes are arguably the most well-rounded team in the competition. They are organised, physical and efficient in their attacking play.
Sweden face England in the semi-final of Euro 2022 on Tuesday night after beating Belgium
Sweden will provide England with their toughest test despite an underwhelming group stage
Seven Swedes play in the Women’s Super League. Chelsea defender and captain Magdalena Eriksson is their leader and rock at the back, and Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius leads the line up front.
Blackstenius is a pacy and skilful forward who will look to link up with Kosovare Asllani. Barcelona forward Fridonlina Rolfo, who can play as an attacking left wing-back, is another threat and she will target England’s right flank should Lucy Bronze get drawn out of position.
Seven of Sweden’s key player all feature in the Women’s Super League. Two of those include Magdalena Eriksson (left) and Stina Blackstenius (right)
Sweden also have threats from midfield from the likes of Manchester City’s Filippa Angeldahl
Sweden also have threats from midfield. Manchester City’s Filippa Angeldahl was on the scoresheet twice against Portugal and Everton’s Hanna Bennison scored a stunning goal in the victory over Switzerland.
Sweden are particularly strong at set-pieces. Two of their five goals against Portugal came from corners while another two came from free-kicks. Last night’s late winner was also from a corner. Ten of their 40 goals in qualifying were scored by defenders.