England vs Sweden - LIVE!
England begin their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign tonight as they host Sweden at Wembley. The Lionesses will be defending champions in Switzerland next summer if they book their place as expected, although it could potentially be a tough group as they also face France and the Republic of Ireland. Only the top two qualify automatically.
Sarina Wiegman's side last saw action in February, when they defeated Austria 7-2 and cruised to a 5-1 win over Italy a few days later. England now have Leah Williamson back and available, but the Arsenal defender will have to wait for her first appearance for the Lionesses in a year, as she is known on the bench.
Sweden is ranked sixth in the world and finished third at the World Cup last summer. They lost to Spain in the last four, before beating England in the final. Follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog, with expert analysis from Simon Collings and Dom Smith on the pitch!
England vs Sweden latest news
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Kick-off: 8pm BST | Wembley Stadium
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How to watch: ITV
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England team news: Williamson on bench
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Standard Sports Prediction: England to win
England team news
Starting XI: Earps, Brons, Wubben-Moy, Greenwood, Charles, Walsh, Stanway, Clinton, James, Russo, Hemp
Subs: Hampton, Rendell, Carter, Toone, Williamson, Kelly, Mead, Kirby, Daly, Park, Morgan, Turner
Lioness schedule
After kicking off their qualifying campaign tonight, England travel to Dublin to take on the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening.
Sarina Wiegman's team will play France twice in the space of four days at the end of the season, before taking on Sweden and Ireland again in July.
It's a relatively quick process, assuming no playoffs are needed.
England with a new look as the bid for the euro begins
It's been just over seven months since the World Cup final, but as the Lionesses start the road to Euro 2025 tonight, there are signs they are developing under Sarina Wiegman.
The story continues
England overcame injuries and a disrupted build-up to reach the final in Australia before being heartbroken by Spain.
The team was then built around defensive solidity, with Wiegman's switch to a back three midway through the tournament proving to be a masterstroke.
However, the side that hosts Sweden at Wembley tonight will look different and there should be excitement about what lies ahead.
Read Simon Collings' full preview here!
Wiegman 'surprised' by Arsenal friendly match
Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman was "surprised" by Arsenal's decision to host a post-season friendly in Australia, just a week before England host France in a Euro 2025 qualifier.
The Gunners face an A League All Stars team in Melbourne on May 24, just six days after the final match of the Women's Super League season.
The match could prove problematic for England, who host France at St. James' Park on May 31 in their bid to qualify for Euro 2025.
The Lionesses travel to France four days later for the reverse fixture in Saint-Etienne.
"I think we've talked about that a lot in terms of the calendar - the windows, the busy schedule - and that's a lot of challenges for the players, and for us as well," Wiegman said.
"So we are now working towards the summer. We have had very good conversations with the clubs.
"I was surprised about that trip [Arsenal are doing]. The competition ends at the end of May, then there is a week in between and then we go into the international break.
"I think it is not good for all players, with the already complicated calendar, to go to the other side of the world."
More of the same?
These two sides met in the semi-finals of Euro 2022, with England booking their place in the final.
Alessia Russo scored a very special goal with the Lionesses in ruthless form.
A similar display tonight is exactly what Sarina Wiegman is looking for.
The stage has been set!
All eyes are on Wembley tonight; another large crowd is expected.
Standard sports prediction
England will be confident they will start the campaign strongly even if Sweden are able to test them tonight.
Goals have not been a problem for the Lionesses - we are backing them to come out on top in an entertaining encounter.
England win 3-1.England team news
Leah Williamson is finally ready to make her England comeback, a year after her last Lionesses appearance.
The Arsenal star missed the World Cup last summer after suffering a serious knee injury in April. Williamson was due to return to England last month for friendlies against Austria and Italy, but she was forced to withdraw from the squad due to a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper Khiara Keating has returned to Manchester City and has been replaced in the squad by Kayla Rendell from Southampton.
Manchester United's Maya Le Tissier has missed out on selection and her teammate, Millie Turner, has been given the nod instead.
There is still no place for Chelsea defender Millie Bright, who captained England at the World Cup last year, due to a knee injury.
How to watch England vs Sweden
TV channel: Tonight's match will be broadcast live and free-to-air in the UK on ITV1. Coverage starts at 7:30 PM BST, ahead of the 8:00 PM kick-off.
Live stream: The ITVX website and app, free with subscription, will offer a live streaming service online.
Live coverage: Follow all the action here, with expert analysis from reporters Simon Collings and Dom Smith at Wembley.
Good evening!
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's LIVE coverage of England vs Sweden!
The Lionesses kick off their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign tonight as they look to build towards Switzerland next summer, where they will be defending champions if they qualify as expected.
We've got the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which takes place from Wembley at 8pm BST!
