England Dominate Sweden to Secure UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Final Spot
England delivered an emphatic performance to defeat Sweden 4-0 in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final at Bramall Lane, despite Sweden holding a higher FIFA world ranking. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses capitalised on pace and tactical precision, sealing their place in the final at Wembley and eyeing a historic first European Championship title. While Sweden entered the match as favourites on paper, their lacklustre display means their focus now shifts to qualification for the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Here’s an in-depth tactical breakdown of how England triumphed—and where the key battles were won and lost.
England’s Approach: Compact 4-2-3-1 Formation and Dynamic Attacks
England stuck with their familiar 4-2-3-1 system, fielding an unchanged starting eleven from their previous win over Spain. Flexible in shape, the side often morphed into a 4-3-3 or a 3-2-1-4 in possession, enabling versatile movement from the backline and providing extra width and threat up front. The combination of pace, especially via Lauren Hemp on the left and Beth Mead on the right, allowed England to exploit Sweden’s defensive flanks.
A major tactic saw Keira Walsh operate as the deep-lying ‘number six,’ orchestrating play and screening the defence. In possession, England initially attempted to build from the back, but Sweden’s pressing and their own hesitancy often prompted them to seek long, direct passes into advanced areas. These direct balls, frequently targeted towards Hemp or Ellen White, allowed England to break quickly and effectively.
Building Attacks: England’s Progression and Midfield Balance
England focused on retaining possession but remained pragmatic, adapting to Sweden’s pressure with more direct play when necessary. The statistics underline this strategy:
- Possession: 58%
- Pass completion: 80%
- Long ball accuracy: 53%
Keira Walsh excelled as a playmaker from the base of midfield, successfully completing all six of her long pass attempts, often releasing Kirby, Hemp, and White into space. The fluid movement of Georgia Stanway and Fran Kirby further supported England’s rhythm, with Stanway frequently advancing into pockets and combining for intricate moves at the edge of the Swedish box.
Lucy Bronze also contributed significantly from right-back, overlapping to assist the opening goal with a pinpoint cross. This commitment to forward runs, notably by the full-backs, gave England numerical superiority in wide areas, unsettling the Swedish defence.
Clinical Execution in the Final Third
England’s attacking quartet seamlessly linked up to generate and convert opportunities. Beth Mead’s sharp movement inside created space for Bronze’s overlaps, while Hemp maintained width on the left, stretching Sweden’s shape. Ellen White played her role as a traditional target forward, holding up play and bringing others into action, before making way for Alessia Russo.
Russo’s introduction brought further impact. She scored with an audacious backheel finish, highlighting her ability as an impact substitute and staking her claim for a starting place in the final.
Defensive Structure and Vulnerabilities
Despite keeping a clean sheet, England’s out-of-possession play revealed some vulnerabilities. Their preferred defensive shape was a narrow 4-1-4-1, designed to limit space through the centre and force Sweden wide. Ellen White tracked back diligently, while Bronze would narrow her positioning according to the opposing winger.
However, Bronze’s attacking instincts occasionally left England open on her flank, with Sweden finding pockets of space behind her. Mary Earps produced several key saves and high claims to maintain the shutout, but the defensive unit will need improved discipline against stronger opposition in the final.
Sweden’s Tactical Set-Up: Struggling to Find Fluency
Sweden deployed their routine 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to leverage the speed of Sofia Jakobsson and Fridolina Rolfö. A key alteration was at right-back, where Amanda Ilestedt was tasked with handling Lauren Hemp—a challenge that repeatedly exposed Sweden’s right side.
In possession, Sweden struggled to move the ball efficiently into wide areas, stifling their attacking potential. Only Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius posed consistent threats; Asllani’s intelligent positioning created some headaches for England, while Blackstenius challenged in the air and supplied four shots.
Sweden’s offensive production suffered a long dry spell, failing to register a shot between the 18th and 56th minutes—a period in which England seized control and scored twice. Substitutions, including the introduction of Johanna Kaneryd, were unable to reverse the momentum.
Defensive Efforts and Pressing Game
Out of possession, Sweden shifted to a 4-4-1-1 setup, with Asllani roaming freely behind Blackstenius to disrupt England’s buildup and apply pressure high up the pitch. Their efforts yielded a few early counter-attacking opportunities, notably exploiting England’s full-backs’ advanced positioning. Asllani’s relentless pressing and work rate stood out even as the deficit grew.
However, as England’s control increased and Sweden’s frustration mounted, their pressing structure broke down. The disciplined high defensive line and crisp passing evident in earlier tournament matches deserted them, and their main threat became hopeful counters, attempting to send Rolfö, Blackstenius, or Asllani through on goal with quick passes.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
England’s tactical flexibility, attacking width, and midfield quality proved decisive in dismantling Sweden’s hopes. The Lionesses not only secured a landmark victory but showcased a blend of directness and intricate build-up play that will serve them well in the upcoming final at Wembley.
For Sweden, the defeat offers lessons in both defensive organisation and attacking fluidity. Their early promise faded as England’s game plan prevailed, and with the 2023 World Cup on the horizon, the focus shifts to regrouping and refining their tactical approach.
England now stand just one game away from claiming their first-ever senior European Championship, buoyed by home support and a squad brimming with confidence and tactical discipline.
