England are building up to tonight’s Euro 2025 quarter-final with Sweden as the holders prepare to face their toughest test of the tournament yet.
The Lionesses played Sweden at the semi-final stage of their home Euros three years ago, winning 4-0 at Bramall Lane on a memorable night that included Alessia Russo’s backheel goal as the hosts went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.
Sweden will be out for revenge as the teams meet again in Zurich. Sweden impressively topped Group C, beating Germany 4-1 last time out, and have an excellent record of reaching the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years.
England, though, will be looking to continue the momentum that has been building since their opening defeat to France. Sarina Wiegman’s side have found form and defeated Netherlands 4-0 and Wales 5-1 to advance to the quarter-finals.
Can England now take the opportunity of landing on the more favourable side of the draw? The winner will play Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva, after Cristiana Girelli’s dramatic winner against Norway sent the Italians through to their first semi-final since 1997.
Follow all the build-up to England’s Euro 2025 quarter-final showdown with Sweden below.
Read More
England v Sweden LIVE: Women's Euro 2025 latest updates
- England face Sweden in Women's Euro 2025 quarter-final | Kick off 8pm
- England could name another unchanged team after building momentum
- Lionesses defeated Netherlands and Wales to bounce back from France defeat
- Sweden topped Group C and have a score to settle with England after Euro 2022
- Sarina Wiegman demands 'proper England' in Euro 2025 quarter-final
- Dark horses Italy await in semi-final after stunning Norway last night
What is the England team news?
13:22
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sarina Wiegman named an unchanged team ahead of the Wales game, for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, and the England head coach may decide to keep with a winning formula.
Ella Toone has been in impressive form since returning to the midfield while Lauren James has looked more comfortable playing on the right wing. England have also been more solid defensively since Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter swapped positions in the back four.
Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones both scored against Wales after coming off the bench, so England have plenty of options on the bench should Wiegman decides she needs an impact later in the game.
Possible England XI; Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp
United in grief, Ella Toone and Beth Mead form a special bond to shine at Euro 2025
13:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Ella Toone stopped and sent a kiss towards the sky. In moments such as scoring for your country at a major tournament, the most important people can become those who are not there. Toone is 25 and is already appearing at her third major tournament for England. But it’s also the first she has played in since the loss of her father Nick to prostate cancer last September. Another goal at Euro 2025 was dedicated to the memory of her most reliable supporter.
Her grief, though, has not disappeared. Every day is different and being away from home at a major tournament can present its own challenges. But when Toone is with England she can rely on the support and guidance of Beth Mead, who lost her mother June to ovarian cancer in January 2023 - just six months after winning the Euros. This is Mead’s first tournament since losing a parent, too, and the forward also pointed to the sky as she scored in England’s 6-1 win over Wales.
Sarina Wiegman demands 'proper England' in Euro 2025 quarter-final
12:41
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sarina Wiegman on the phrase that England can’t stop talking ahead of their Euro 2025 quarter-final with Sweden.
“Proper England is who we are and what we want to show and of course that has to do with our tactics, how we want to play, but also our behaviours, how we want to support each other together, work really hard and of course play to our strengths too, so when we do that we think the chance of winning is the highest.”
Why England were right to show no mercy in ruthless destruction of Wales
12:41
,
Jamie Braidwood
For a Wales team who have brought so much passion, colour and pride to Euro 2025, this was no way to go home. As one, Wales stood in front of their Red Wall in St Gallen, and there is certainly no disgrace in losing to England, France and the Netherlands in what was their major tournament debut.
But England had to be ruthless, and a 6-1 win to finish the group stage sends a message. “Sweden should be scared,” said Ella Toone, and this performance showed why as Sarina Wiegman’s side returned to their destructive best with the biggest win of Euro 2025 so far.
England's previous quarter-finals under Sarina Wiegman
12:20
,
Jamie Braidwood
Once England have reached the knockout stages of a major tournament under Sarina Wiegman they have only ever gone on to reach the final, winning the Euros in 2022 and finishing runners-up at the World Cup in 2023.
They have actually trailed both quarter-finals they have played under Wiegman, however, first to Spain at Euro 2022 and then against Colombia at World Cup 2023.
Against Spain, Ella Toone equalised with five minutes to go before Georgia Stanway scored the winner in extra time. Alessia Russo fired England to the World Cup semi-finals in 2023.
Sarina Wiegman pleased to 'keep the momentum' in win over Wales
12:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sarina Wiegman: “Of course, [I’m pleased] that we won, that we scored six goals, and big parts of the game we dominated.
“And it was very clear we were going to win the game but of course, you need to keep the momentum but it was a very good game.
“We knew ahead of this tournament we knew this group was really hard, and then when you lose the first game of course there is a massive urgency to win the other two.
“Now, with the score between France and the Netherlands, that wasn’t that urgent but you want to keep it on your own hands.
“So it gave us a lot of learnings again with the team and it brought us together after that first loss, so I think that is pretty good.”
Inside England’s ‘positive clique’ and the celebration keeping the Lionesses together
11:42
,
Jamie Braidwood
There are cliques forming in the England camp. This could be seen as problematic. At a major tournament, it could indicate squad disharmony and fractures between groups, instead of a unified approach.
Not for the Lionesses at Euro 2025. There is instead the “positive clique”. It is named after the positive clickers, the group of substitutes who began on the bench against the Netherlands and Wales but celebrated goals from Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones by snapping their fingers and embracing each other on the sidelines.
Chloe Kelly: Sweden won't go under the radar against England
11:21
,
Jamie Braidwood
Chloe Kelly said England’s players are aware of how dangerous Sweden can be, even if they sometimes go under the radar as potential winners at major competitions.
“For sure, one that we definitely respect as England, maybe a team that sometimes do go under the radar, but the quality that they've shown consistently in many tournaments is impressive.
“They have such talent throughout their whole squad, so it's a game that we're fully preparing for and doing our homework to be at our best on the night because that's what we need to be.”
Ella Toone 'buzzing' for Alessia Russo after first goal
11:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Ella Toone said she was buzzing for Alessia Russo after the England striker got off the mark at Euro 2025 in the 6-1 win against Wales.
Russo had goals disallowed against France and Netherlands, where she set up three in the 4-0, but she scored her first of the tournament last night.
“She really deserves that. She's been really good for us and probably not got the goals that she's wanted to,” Toone said.
“Her hard work doesn't go unnoticed for us as a team. She starts to press from the from the front. She holds the play up.
“She's created so many chances for us and it was nice to finally assist her and for her to get on the scoresheet and hopefully she can continue with the goals.”
One prediction for each Women’s Euro 2025 quarter-final
10:41
,
Jamie Braidwood
The Euro 2025 quarter-finals have quickly rolled around after eight teams progressed from the group stage to stand just three wins away from the title in Switzerland.
Holders England progressed as runners-up to France in Group D but responded well from their opening defeat to an impressive Les Bleues side to set up a Euros rematch with Sweden in the last-eight.
On the other side of the draw, world champions Spain have underlined their status as tournament favourites so far and will play Switzerland next. The winner will face either France or Germany, in another rematch from Euro 2022.
England ready for 'battle in the air' against Sweden
10:22
,
Jamie Braidwood
Leah Williamson said England will be prepared to deal with Sweden’s aerial threats, with their opponents having a strong record of scoring from crosses and set-pieces at major tournaments
“It’s one of their main threats and they are good at it. You obviously want to try and stop the crosses so we’re very much ready for the battle in the air.
“They are great athletes and they produce great athletes as a country. I think we are too so it’s a good battle in that sense but it’s definitely something we have to be prepared for.”
'France defeat the best thing that could have happened'
10:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Speaking after the win over Wales, England forward Beth Mead said the opening defeat to France at Euro 2025 was the best thing that could have happened to England in their title defence after recovering from that result to reach the quarter-finals.
Mead said the poor performance against France gave England motivation to improve and the Lionesses have built some momentum after going back to basics and winning impressively against the Netherlands and Wales.
“It didn’t seem it at the time, it probably was the best thing that could have happened to us as a team,” Mead said. “I think it motivated us. We had conversations, we figured things out that we maybe needed to.
“You don't win or lose a tournament in the first game, I think it's cliche to say it, but you don't, and we're now in a position where we're building quite nicely and hopefully we can continue that momentum now into the quarterfinals.”
How Sarina Wiegman fixed England while making the fewest changes at Euro 2025
09:41
,
Jamie Braidwood
On the eve of Euro 2025, Sarina Wiegman was looking ahead to England’s three group games and the different scenarios she and her coaching staff were preparing for.
As the defending champions and with a target on their backs, Wiegman had spent months working out ways for England to come into the tournament and be unpredictable, and she revealed there were certain ideas to have “in our pocket” that the Lionesses could turn to if they found themselves in trouble.
The opening defeat to France left England playing knockout football from their second game, but it was also a blessing in disguise. Beth Mead said the performance and defeat to France was the “best thing that could have happened” to the squad.
Leah Williamson on facing Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius
09:21
,
Jamie Braidwood
Leah Williamson will have the task of marking Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius, who scored the Gunners’ winner in the Champions League final win over Barcelona last season.
"Stina is an incredibly powerful footballer,” Williamson said. “She's very intelligent with her runs. She's a hard player to play against in that respect. We were celebrating her success at Arsenal but not so much now. We'll see. She's a great player and she has been for many years now. Her experience speaks for itself.”
Sweden a 'dangerous, relentless' side, says Leah Williamson
09:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
England played Sweden during qualifying for Euro 2025, drawing 1-1 at Wembley and then 0-0 in Gothenburg in a “cagey” final qualifying game.
They reached the semi-finals of the last Euros and the semi-finals of the last two World Cups, as well as finishing runners-up at the Olympics in 2016 and 2021 .
“We spoke about the history and Sweden’s previous results at tournaments are incredible. They are relentless. They are a very organised team who work hard. There are obviously some familiar faces so we know their characteristics,” Leah Williamson said.
“When you have a team who work for each other like Sweden, then you don’t need to necessarily have a crazy standout threat. They are hard to prepare for in that sense. The discipline for them all to complete their jobs on the pitch makes them a dangerous side.”
‘Fear England?’ No, this Sweden team believes Women’s Euros 2025 is their year
08:42
,
Jamie Braidwood
Abba has not been banned from England’s pre-match playlist just yet, as captain and dressing room DJ Leah Williamson confirmed this week. After all, those are the vibes and emotions that the holders want to recapture as they target a return to the semi-finals. Instead, it is Sweden who need to change the record as they face the Lionesses once again in the knockout stages of a major tournament.
‘Incredible, beautiful’: Italy reach first Women’s Euros semi-final in 28 years
08:25
,
Jamie Braidwood
Cristiana Girelli scored a 90th-minute winner, her second goal of a superb double, as Italy beat Norway 2-1 to book their spot in the semi-finals at the Women’s Euros for the first time since 1997.
Italy started well but were on the ropes after Norway captain Ada Hegerberg cancelled out their opening goal, but Girelli, who had opened the scoring five minutes into the second half, was not to be denied and netted the winner to send thousands of blue-clad fans into ecstasy.
Leah Williamson wary of Sweden threat ahead of Euro 2025 quarter-final
08:10
,
Jamie Braidwood
England captain Leah Williamson spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of the Sweden quarter-final and said the Lionesses are wary of tonight’s “relentless” opposition.
“Sweden are a fantastic team,” Williamson said. “They’re relentless in the way they go about their game.
“I think they sort of avoid the expectation of every tournament, and nobody really talks about them, slightly disrespectful, I think, because they always show up and they always seem to pose a threat to most teams, and normally come out with a medal or (become) a semi-final team.”
What is the Sweden team news?
08:04
,
Jamie Braidwood
Fridolina Rolfo made her first start of the tournament in the 4-1 win over Germany after fully recovering from her injury. Smilla Holmberg was a surprise inclusion at right back but impressed and could keep her place.
Possible Sweden XI: Falk; Holmberg, Björn, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldahl, Bennison; Rytting Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfö; Blackstenius
What is the England team news?
08:02
,
Jamie Braidwood
Sarina Wiegman named an unchanged team ahead of the Wales game, for the first time since the 2023 World Cup, and the England head coach may decide to keep with a winning formula.
Ella Toone has been in impressive form since returning to the midfield while Lauren James has looked more comfortable playing on the right wing. England have also been more solid defensively since Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter swapped positions in the back four.
Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones both scored against Wales after coming off the bench, so England have plenty of options on the bench should Wiegman decides she needs an impact later in the game.
Possible England XI; Hampton; Bronze, Williamson, Carter, Greenwood; Walsh, Stanway, Toone; James, Russo, Hemp
When is England v Sweden?
08:01
,
Jamie Braidwood
The Euro 2025 quarter-final will kick off at 8pm UK time (9pm local time) on Thursday 17 July in Zurich.
How can I watch it?
It will be live on BBC One and iPlayer with coverage starting from 7pm.
Welcome
08:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
England face Sweden in the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 as the holders face a rematch of their semi-final three years ago.
The Lionesses thumped Sweden 4-0 at Bramall Lane on a memorable night, on their way to reaching the Euro 2022 final and winning the tournament.
Sweden will no doubt have revenge on their minds and impressively topped Group C by beating 10-player Germany 4-1 to reach the quarter-finals.
Sweden have several players who represent English clubs, including Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius, and are familiar opponents for Sarina Wiegman’s side.
England bounced back from their opening defeat to France with comprehensive wins over Netherlands and Wales and have momentum behind them.
Follow all the latest build-up before the quarter-final