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The Lionesses are beginning to show their strength in this competition. More experienced and cohesive than the side that reached the 2023 World Cup final, they are growing into their role as favourites and embracing the weight of expectation.
After a shaky start against France, they responded impressively with commanding performances against the Netherlands and Wales. While the Dutch may not be the force they once were, that shouldn’t detract from the quality of England’s displays.
Everything that went wrong against France was corrected in those next two games. England played with purpose and intensity, won their duels, and asserted control both on and off the ball at crucial moments.
In possession they connected their passes with infinitely better accuracy and intent, and when they won the ball back, they largely chose the right option, whether that was to raid forward or be patient and build through the pitch. Out of possession they strangled the spaces and looked a far more compact unit.
One lingering concern, however, is how they respond to turnovers. Against France, England’s midfield lacked the same athleticism, making them vulnerable in transition. Despite Ella Toone’s introduction, that issue hasn’t fully gone away, and it will be critical that their defensive structure remains tight.
The reshuffling at the back – with Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter swapping roles – has brought some stability, but they remain untested against the kind of direct, pacey wide threat that France exposed so effectively in the opening game.
The Lionesses are growing into their role as the favourites at this summer's Women's Euros
They are staring down a quarter-finals clash with Sweden as they seek to retain their crown
However, I am worried about how they respond to turnovers - they're vulnerable in transition
This is where the Sweden can make their lives difficult. They play with intensity and cover ground well, with an identity built on wide play and aerial dominance.
They’ve delivered the most crosses in the tournament so far, and Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has been exceptional on the right flank, consistently stretching defences and delivering dangerous balls into the box.
Any ball played in behind to Stina Blackstenius is a danger for any defence. The Arsenal striker thrives on those runs and is a proven performer in big moments – as shown by her winning goal in the Women’s Champions League final.
England will need to cut off her supply at source to avoid being punished.
Sweden excel in transitional moments, especially when opponents commit numbers forward. That dynamic could present a serious threat to the Lionesses if they aren't disciplined in their positioning.
To counter this, England must stay compact defensively, particularly in wide areas, and apply consistent pressure in central zones.
If they can keep possession as effectively as they did against the Netherlands and Wales, they’ll reduce the opportunities for Sweden to break with pace.
There’s always a way to play against a team with Sweden’s strengths – and that’s by turning their own transitions against them. A side that pushes bodies high inherently carries risk, and England have the attacking tools to exploit that.
Any ball in behind for Stina Blackstenius could see England punished if they don't adjust right
England must stay compact defensively, apply pressure in central zones, and keep possession effectively to stop Sweden from expoliting their weakness defending counter-attacks
They remain in a strong spot thanks to Sarina Wiegman's experience and tactical clarity
Georgia Stanway has an incredible engine, and much of the defensive responsibility from midfield will fall on her.
She's a powerful presence in the centre of the park, and if she can win the ball high up the pitch, she'll be key to putting England on the front foot.
This team has shown they can score from anywhere on the pitch, with six different names on the scoresheet against Wales. That kind of variety makes them dangerous.
On their day, the Lionesses are capable of beating anyone. And under the guidance of Sarina Wiegman, with her tactical clarity and big-game experience, England remain in a strong position to continue pushing on.
