England are finding their rhythm at just the right time, and their quarter-final spot at Euro 2025 is well deserved. Whoever they faced at this stage was always going to be a tough opponent, and the debate about whether it was better to finish top of Group D and face Sweden instead of Germany felt more like splitting hairs than strategy. Sweden made their own case by thrashing Germany 4-1 in their final Group C match, and honestly, there’s not much to choose between the two. Sweden may be ranked higher, but both sides bring serious quality.
Still, Sweden carry a bit of tournament baggage they’ve been close but never quite able to finish the job. After being knocked out 4-0 by England in the 2022 semi finals, they’ll feel there’s unfinished business. They’ve looked sharp and confident this time around, but so have Germany, who shouldn’t be discounted. European football is stacked with strong teams, and at this level, even a small dip can mean the end of the road. For England to win, they’ll need to be at full throttle and stay there.
The blueprint is already there. The performances against the Netherlands and Wales set a standard this England side can be proud of. That was a glimpse of the team firing on all cylinders. Wales came out trying to rattle Georgia Stanway early on, but she handled it like a pro took the hits, gave some back, and carried on being the heartbeat of the side in that 6-1 victory.
Up front, Lauren James has been electric. Her movement constantly pulls defenders out of shape, opening up space for Ella Toone to drift into and do damage two goals in two games says it all. James is the kind of player any team would build around, but England’s success lies in how the rest of the squad supports and complements her style. That’s been key in the recent goal surge.
Even after the loss to France, there was no panic. If anything, it reset the mood. England responded with a sense of urgency win or go home. Since then, they’ve played like a team with something to prove. The best part? They now seem to know exactly who their strongest XI is, and the bench has been delivering too eight different players have scored in the tournament so far.
Having to beat the Netherlands just to stay in the competition gave England a head start in knockout mode. That kind of pressure doesn’t always produce diamonds, but in this case, it seems to have sharpened them. Hannah Hampton’s emergence as first-choice goalkeeper is another example of the squad evolving with purpose. Her distribution has added another layer to England’s attack, and her inch perfect assist against the Dutch was a standout moment.
Credit to Sarina Wiegman for sticking to her guns when it comes to backing her players. That kind of quiet conviction has shaped England’s steady rise through the tournament. And if this form continues, they might just have what it takes to go all the way.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Schedule
