Image source, Getty Images
- Author, Emma Sanders
- Role, BBC Sport journalist at Gamla Ullevi Stadium
England will be at Euro 2025 to defend their title – but will need to improve if they are to convince supporters they can go all the way again.
Sarina Wiegman’s side had the task in Sweden of securing automatic qualification for next year’s tournament in Switzerland.
They did that by holding on for a 0-0 draw in Gothenburg, but it was far from convincing and similar themes of concern have remained throughout qualification.
A lack of ruthlessness in front of goal and sloppiness at the back have been rife this year – so is there more to come from England in the next 12 months?
“A lot more,” said captain Leah Williamson. “We took care of business, we qualified and we can get the most out of ourselves ahead of next year.
“It was the same story ahead of the last Euros. We all know how that went and I think everybody wants more.”
‘We want to get back to our top level’
Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live “times change so quickly in football” – and it feels that way for the Lionesses.
Two years ago, they thumped Sweden 4-0 to book their place in the Euro 2022 final having played free-flowing and exciting football – the infamous Alessia Russo backheel goal topping it off.
But this was a far more nervy encounter, with England needing to dig deep to get over the line and prevent Sweden from snatching victory late on.
“Expectations have obviously changed around the Lionesses since they won the Euros and reached the World Cup final, so it is impossible to judge them through the same lens,” added Bardsley.
“When they get back they need to reset, assess where they have done well and where they can improve, and go from there.
“The opportunities are there – they just need to find that ruthlessness and be a bit more composed at the back.”
It is clear other nations have caught up with England, but Williamson, who hopes to lift the trophy again in Switzerland, is not fazed.
“We know how to fight. We have proven that. But we want to get back to our top level,” she told BBC Sport.
“Qualification has tested us but we’ve come through it. We’re not happy to not be top [of the qualifying group] but we have a year now to squeeze everything out of us.”
Defensive errors and a lack of goals
Image source, Getty Images
The biggest area of concern for England is up front.
Despite an array of riches in attacking talent, England have lacked ruthlessness in front of goal and struggled to create any clear-cut chances against Sweden.
It was a similar theme in their narrow victories over France and the Republic of Ireland.
“Yeah, that is something that we absolutely have to improve,” said manager Wiegman.
“It’s good we now have a year. I think in the first half we played very good football. The only thing we didn’t do was score a goal.
“We had it against France too. That’s also to do with the quality of the opponent but it’s good we have a year to prepare and work on those things.”
Wiegman hopes to “try out different things” in friendly matches during their next international break, and says they must tighten up defensively.
Sweden piled on the pressure late on, forcing errors from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton as England were on the ropes.
“In defence, especially in the second half when Sweden are forcing a little more, you want to get more control of the game,” added Wiegman.
“That has to do with decision-making and being able to do that. It’s good we have a year as we can’t change that overnight.
“Every game we play we want to win, but you can do things [in friendlies] to develop individuals and try out different things.”
‘We know exactly where we stand’
England qualified as League A3 runners-up, a point behind France, and while they need to improve there are reasons to be positive.
It was considered the ‘group of death’ containing three of the world’s top six, and England picked up two away victories in Ireland and France.
“It feels amazing. That’s what we set out to do. This group was really difficult, really tough and they were good opposition,” said Manchester United’s Ella Toone.
“We wanted to top the group of course. We’re England, we want to win every game we’re in, but we knew it would be difficult. To get out of a group like that, we’re really proud.”
Toone said “everyone expects so much” from England and it is clear there is more to come from them.
However, having faced tough opposition in qualifying, Toone hopes the Lionesses will be better prepared for Euro 2025 having had their weaknesses exposed.
“We know where we’re at now competing against top teams,” added Toone.
“It’s all well and good playing teams and winning 10-0, but these are the games you learn from – the tough games.”
Wiegman added: “These top-level games showed us what we need to work on. When you play other teams from lower levels, those things will not be highlighted as much as they are now.
“We know exactly where we stand and what we need to improve on as a team and as individuals. We’ll start working on that pretty soon.”