England boss Sarina Wiegman has been rigid with her approach to squad selection at Euro 2022, shunning rotation and keeping a consistent starting eleven.
It has been the same throughout all matches so far and it would be reasonable to expect that the same would be true for the semi-final against Sweden.
Despite using Leah Williamson as part of a midfield two throughout the warmups, the England captain has reverted to her usual position as part of a central pairing in the back four alongside Millie Bright; Rachel Daly and Lucy Bronze sit as the full-backs.
Daly plays as a forward for the Houston Dash when plying her club trade yet has mostly been a defender for her country. If there is any change to be made, then bringing in the more natural Alex Greenwood or Demi Stokes could be a possibility.
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From the bench, Manchester United striker Alessia Russo and attacking midfielder Ella Toone combined to score in the last match and have been important second-half additions throughout the Euros. Utilising them could be crucial against the Swedes.
England’s predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Earps; Bronze, Daly, Bright, Williamson; Stanway, Walsh; Mead, Hemp, Kirby; White
Sweden’s main threats
Sweden struggled to find a clinical edge against Belgium in their quarter-final, requiring a set-piece goal in added time from defender Linda Sembrant to reach this stage.
They had 33 efforts without scoring in that match, but that is not to say that they won’t pose a threat. Kosovare Asllani, the veteran forward who can either play on the wing or behind the main striker has been one of the most energetic elements of the attack and may pose a problem for England’s full-backs with her skilful footwork.
Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius leads the line for Sweden and is a threat should she receive the service she requires in the final third, though England’s midfield may be able to nullify the midfield and try to shut her out of the game.
From range, Manchester City’s Filippa Angeldahl has consistently threatened goalkeepers from outside the box and has the ability to test Mary Earps should Sweden try to use her talents from distance.
Hanna Bennison, likewise, is another one who can cause problems in a similar fashion and did just that against Switzerland in the group stage. The 19-year-old midfielder will probably come off the bench but could have an effect similar to England’s Ella Toone in the latter stages of the game.
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