Thursday night's heavyweight clash between Sweden and England promises to be a truly exciting one as both teams will feel confident that they can qualify for the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's European Championships by winning the quarter-final showdown.
Indeed, Sweden have been perfect at the tournament so far, winning all three of their group games including the impressive 4-1 thrashing of one of the pre-tournament favourites and record European champions Germany last time out. That winning run has now extended their unbeaten streak to 11 matches in total across all competitions, and so they will feel like they have nothing to fear coming up against the holders in England.
The Lionesses recovered well from a disappointing 2-1 defeat in their opening group game against France to thrash both the Netherlands and Wales in Group D by an aggregate scoreline of 10-1. Sarina Wiegman's side did have to settle for a runners-up spot, but they may feel like it is a blessing in disguise as they will now avoid tournament favourites and current world champions Spain until the final.
In terms of recent H2Hs, it does not bode too well for England though, as they have only won one of the previous six meetings in all competitions. However, that was a 4-0 thrashing of Sweden at the last Euros, which they of course went on to win.
How the bookies view it: England favourites to progress
England are placed at Evens with BoyleSports to win the game in normal time, while a draw is priced at 9/4 with the same bookmaker. A Sweden victory after 90 minutes can be backed at 12/5.
Given the impressive form of both teams of late and the quality that they possess, we feel like this tie could go the full distance. England may just hold the edge after going all the way in the tournament last time, and backing them to win on penalties at 17/2 with BoyleSports seems a worthy punt.
Recent head-to-head: Bore draw in 2024
Both teams played out a 0-0 draw the last time they met almost exactly a year ago. Given how free-scoring they have both been in the tournament so far, we are certainly not expecting a repeat.
Players to watch: Toone has changed England's tune
Stina Blackstenius netted against Germany last time out, and has now scored in her last two appearances in the tournament. A lot of the Lionesses will be all too familiar with the quality that she possesses, having faced off against the Swedish striker numerous times in the Women's Super League (WSL) for Arsenal.
Ella Toone has notched up two goals and assists since being brought into the starting XI by Wiegman in England's last two victories. The Manchester United midfielder is priced at a tempting 3/1 by BoyleSports to score anytime again.
Predicted lineups
Both teams may be tempted to go unchanged from their previous match, with no fresh injury concerns or suspensions to report in either squad.
Sweden Women: Falk, Holmberg, Bjorn, Eriksson, Andersson, Angeldahl, Bennison, Kaneryd, Asllani, Rolfo, Blackstenius
England Women: Hampton, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Walsh, Stanway, James, Toone, Hemp, Russo
Anything else catch the eye?
Sweden and England scored a total of eight and 11 goals respectively in their three group stage games, so we should expect plenty of goals. BoyleSports are offering 12/5 odds for Over 3.5 total goals, which seems a safe bet.
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