Peter Gerhardsson says his Sweden side are relishing the prospect of facing England on their own patch in the semi-finals of Euro 2022 (England Evs, Draw 9/4, Sweden 16/5 – Match Result).
The two teams will clash in Sheffield later, with the winner facing either Germany or France in the final at Wembley on Sunday (Germany 8/5, Draw 21/10, France 9/5 – Match Result).
England breezed through their group with a perfect record, finishing with a +14 goal difference, while Sweden finished above the Netherlands, Switzerland and Portugal to top their group.
The Lionesses were made to work for their place in the semi-finals as they edged a dramatic quarter-final 2-1 against Spain last time out.
Sweden, meanwhile, toiled their way to a 1-0 win over Belgium thanks to a 92nd minute goal from Linda Sambrant.
Gerhardsson knows his side will have to improve but is looking forward to the big showdown with the hosts in the Steel City.
“There’s an enormous strength in our individuals, which makes us a strong group,” Gerhardsson said. “England have done very well, [even if] they had a few problems with Austria. It will be an enormous, fantastic experience to play a semi-final against England in England – wow!”
Ahead of the eagerly-anticipated meeting at Bramall Lane, England have managed just three wins in 26 meetings with the Swedes, with the Scandinavians coming out victors on 15 occasions.
Lionesses’ boss Sarina Wiegman looks to have a big decision to make up front, with Manchester United’s rising star Alessia Russo (6/4 – Anytime Goalscorer) pushing England’s all-time leading women’s goalscorer Ellen White for a starting role.
