By Rachel Cohen in Göteborg for Impetus 16/7/2024
Above: Wiegman issues final instructions as they prepare to take on Sweden. Photo: Rachel Cohen
Euros qualifying Group Three was always going to be tough, containing three of the four semi-finalists from the 2022 iteration of the tournament (England, Sweden and France), plus Ireland. That Ireland made the games in which they were involved competitive is to their credit, but the interest has been on hard-fought battles between the three likely qualifiers.
When France beat Sweden last Friday they cemented their position at the top of the group (and guaranteed automatic qualification). A victory over Ireland (who are still yet to get a point) will confirm them as group winners.
Meanwhile, English and Swedish eyes are on the upcoming tie in Gothenburg between the teams currently second and third in the group and a game that will decide who joins France.
The previous game between the two played out to a 1-1 draw. England now sit three points ahead of Sweden in the standings. That means that a draw or a win for England will see them guaranteeing qualification. Should England win and the unlikely scenario happen that France slip up against Ireland, the Lionesses might yet top the group. Conversely, however, with head-to-head results deciding the positions where teams finish equal on points, a win for Sweden will see them through at England’s expense.
The prospect for whichever of England and Sweden comes third is participation in a potentially convoluted qualifying competition, the risk of missing out on next summer’s tournament in Switzerland and, minimally, reduced pre-tournament rest and preparation time, something that will be especially critical after a few years of back-to-back tournaments. In other words, there are real stakes to this game.
The good news for England supporters is that England Manager, Sarina Wiegman, confirmed that everyone is fit and there is a full squad to choose from. Yesterday, the players looked lively, participating in rondos during an open training session. And their spirits seemed up despite a “tyre incident” that meant the team were forced off of their coach en route to Gamla Ullevi stadium, having to walk a short part of the way in the morning drizzle.
Speaking to the press pre-match Sarina Wiegman described there as being a lot of competition for places throughout the squad but did not give many hints about her planned lineup.
Although England only need the draw, Wiegman was adamant that the team were not going to go out with the mindset that a draw was sufficient but rather would be playing to win.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Facebook: @impetuswomensfootball Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 