How England should line up for Euro 2025 quarter-final vs Sweden: Thumping end to group stage means Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses are fresh and ready to fire in first knockout stage

Sunday's battering of Wales allowed the likes of Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone to get some rest – they'll all be ready to go again

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Home

Home Kit

• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Away

Away Kit

• Celebrates the squad's impact on future generations of female athletes
• Features bursts of bright colours accenting a fearless black
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Kit

• Comes in the traditional green colourway
• Logos centralised for a retro look
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Home

Home Kit

• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Away

Away Kit

• Celebrates the squad's impact on future generations of female athletes
• Features bursts of bright colours accenting a fearless black
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Kit

• Comes in the traditional green colourway
• Logos centralised for a retro look
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

It's fair to say that England's group stage at this European Championship was a bit of a rollercoaster. After losing their opener to France, the Lionesses knew any misstep could be fatal in their bid to retain their title and, as such, they were essentially flawless, battering the Netherlands 4-0 while under the highest pressure and then following up with a 6-1 thrashing of Wales to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals.

Next up are Sweden, who England faced in the last four of Euro 2022. Peter Gerhardsson's side are extremely experienced, packed with talent and have reached at least the semi-finals in six of their last seven major tournaments. They know how to navigate these knockout rounds.

But England are well-versed in what it takes, too, and will be confident that they can get the job done on Thursday, having found their groove in their last two outings in particular. So, how will Sarina Wiegman approach the challenge from a team selection perspective? GOAL takes a look at how the Lionesses side should line up in Zurich…

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  GK: Hannah Hampton

  Hampton hasn't been particularly busy in the England goal so far this tournament, despite only keeping one clean sheet in three games. There was little she could do about any of the three goals conceded and her distribution has been excellent, with there no reason to expect, or demand, a change at this position.

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  RB: Lucy Bronze

  Since starting the tournament with a tough evening out against club-mate Sandy Baltimore, Bronze has been solid. The Chelsea star doesn't have much competition for her place in this England team in truth, but there is no question about her place in this starting XI as the Lionesses prepare to go into the knockout stages, where Bronze's experience could be particularly vital.

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  CB: Leah Williamson

  No England player has won possession more often than Williamson at this tournament, with the captain settling into her groove nicely after the defensive issues that plagued the Lionesses' first outing. She's shown a good understanding with her new centre-back partner, Carter, and will hope to continue that as she prepares for an individual battle against Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius in the quarter-finals.

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  CB: Jess Carter

  Since being moved from left-back to centre-back, the role she plays regularly at club level, Carter has looked much more assured. Against France, she was exposed for a lack of pace, allowing Les Bleues to cause chaos down England's left. Wiegman changed things ahead of the clash with the Netherlands, in which Carter was arguably England's best defender, and there is no reason to alter a formula that has made the Lionesses look more secure at the back.