England Women have qualified for Euro 2025 after a goalless draw with Sweden.
The Lionesses will get the chance to defend their European crown in Switzerland next summer after guaranteeing themselves a top-two spot in qualifying Group 3 of League A.
But it was far from plain sailing to seal the point they needed in Gothenburg, with the hosts – needing a victory to leapfrog their opponents into the second – unfortunate not to take all three points after a frantic finish.
England join France in securing an automatic place at Euro 2025, with Sweden heading for the play-offs alongside Republic of Ireland.
Job done. ✅
The #Lionesses are heading to @WEURO2025! 👏 pic.twitter.com/V8KttsPX9f
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 16, 2024
The visitors did not look in too much danger during the first half, with Alessia Russo missing the best chance to open the scoring after missing Georgia Stanway’s cross before the Bayern Munich midfielder struck wide.
Sweden defended well though and could have found themselves in front before half-time when Hanna Lundkvist fired over before Johanna Rytting Kaneryd poked an effort into the side-netting.
Sweden, needing a victory, began to pile on the pressure in the second half, with Wiegman’s side inviting needless pressure on their goal during a chaotic finish.
Hannah Hampton, in for Mary Earps, endured some nervy moments in goal, flapping at crosses and struggling to relieve the pressure Sweden were applying.
Despite riding their luck at times, England held firm and the final whistle at the Gamla Ullevi Stadium will have come as a huge relief.
