England Women need a point in Sweden tonight to secure automatic qualification for Euro 2025 and avoid the play-offs, which captain Leah Williamson has warned could be “detrimental to preparations” for next year’s tournament in Switzerland.
Defeat in Gothenburg would mean England, who are aiming to defend the European title they won on home soil in 2022, finish third in their qualifying group and enter the play-offs this year.
“Obviously, we are the reigning champions, so we want to be at the tournament first and foremost,” said Williamson.
“Securing qualification means you have a year to prepare and know where you want to be. The later you leave it, the more it can have a detriment to your preparations. It’s really important to us and that’s why we’re fully focused.”
Sweden drew 1-1 in the reverse fixture at Wembley, and the Lionesses will need to improve on Friday’s 2-1 win over Ireland, a match in which they lacked spark and a cutting edge.
“It’s an exciting time,” added Williamson. “I think that’s what this team is very good at — taking pressurised situations and turning them into exciting ones. We’re trying to qualify for a tournament which is the last great memory I have in football [winning Euro 2022], so I have been motivated, as have the team.”
England boss Sarina Wiegman has a big call over who starts in goal. Hannah Hampton got the nod on Friday, but she may be tempted to turn back to Mary Earps for such a high-pressure game. “We are never playing to draw — we are playing to win,” she said. “[If] we win the game, we might even top the group, too.”
