REIGNING CHAMPIONS England held on for a goalless draw against Sweden in their final women’s Euro 2025 qualifier on Tuesday to book their place at next year’s finals, as Italy and the Netherlands also qualified.
Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses knew they would secure a top-two finish in Group A3 and qualify automatically for the tournament next July in Switzerland if they avoided defeat.
England created few chances in Gothenburg but clung on despite late pressure from 1984 winners Sweden, who would have qualified themselves with a victory.
“I’m happy, I’m very relieved because it was a tough game,” coach Wiegman told ITV. “The first half I think we dominated.
“When you are so dominant we have to create more chances and score goals. In the second half, we couldn’t keep up that level.
“We did fight for it. I think we can do a little bit better, but keeping the 0-0, qualifying in this group, I am relieved.”
The Scandinavians finished third in the group and will have to settle for a place in the play-offs to be played later this year.
Elsewhere, Italy and the Netherlands progressed from Group A1, in which all four teams still had a chance of going through ahead of Tuesday’s fixtures.
Italy romped to a 4-0 victory over Finland to finish top, while the Dutch secured second place with a 1-1 draw against Norway.
I think this will be one of the most anticipated munster games for quite a while. I’m really looking forward to it. Nothing on the line, everyone expecting a hammering given the preparation. Bring it on.
@Jim Demps: well said Jim. Nothing to loose and everything to gain. Munster Abu!
@Jim Demps: I was actually looking forward to the matches in SA too, especially to see how the fringe players were going to get on
@Jim Demps: so now that JGP and Lowe have improved so much, you’ve turned your attention on Harry Byrne here and also on YouTube comments on OTB. You sad man, disgrace to the great province of Munster.
@Phil Mc Donald: were all very proud of Jim in the great province of Munster.. he’s getting the keys to the tractor after his otb fame.. up the banner, Gwan Munster and Gwan Jim Demps ya ligind
@Jim Demps: 465 international caps and 11lions caps in this squad. All the academy lads are playing AIL since the start of the season and Ian Costello was coaching the Wasps last season, that has to account for something. Wasps are struggling with injuries. My money is on Munster.
One players misfortune is a another opportunity. Sometimes a team that is forced into changes comes out the better for it. Take Campbell and Bulter, they will probably be the starting full back and out half for the Irish u20 team this year. Wren was excellent with the u20’s 2 years ago and would probably have played a bit more for Munster only for injuries.
Can’t wait for this game. Feels like Munster have nothing to lose and will have to come out and play a bit which would be great. I love the premiership but it just doesn’t seem to be at the same level as a few years ago so be great to see what the young lads can do.
This pandemic is literally the best thing to happen to Munster in years! Forced to finally blood talented academy players over the last season or so has given Munster and Ireland some amazing prospects that in the previous 10 seasons or so, would have stagnated until 23 or so and now be pottering around in the RFU Championship. Now this crazy situation will fast track another batch! The good work Malone did in the academy is now coming to fruition. Pity he wasn’t “yes man” enough for Nucifora and van Graan. Still though, the bones of a proper squad appearing for the next 5-6 years.
@SomeGuy: in fairness to Munster, they have been blooding youngsters over the past few seasons, Coombes x 2, Crowley, Healy, Nash, Wycherley, Knox, Casey etc
Just can’t see this going well. Think we will be doing well to keep with them for 60 minutes but once our inexperienced bench comes on I fear the worst. I hope I’m wrong.
Can’t wait. Box kicks, no passing, no awareness of space. SUAF
Does anyone know if the players who are presently isolating in South Africa have to isolate for another 10 days when they get back to Ireland
@Kevin Ryan: Yes they do.
Great to see the AIL being used so much
Anyone know which players were left behind in S.A?