ENGLAND have been drawn in the group of death ahead of this summer’s Euro 2025 qualifiers.
The Lionesses will face France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland as they look to take the first steps towards retaining their European Championship title.
Sarina Wiegman’s side took the crown on home soil in 2022 after defeating Germany in the final at Wembley.
They automatically qualified for the tournament after being named hosts in 2018.
However, they face a difficult route to next year’s event in Switzerland.
Three of the four teams in Group A3 – England, Sweden and France – made it to the Euro 2022 semi-finals.
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Sweden are currently fifth in the official FIFA rankings, one spot behind England.
The Lionesses defeated Peter Gerhardsson’s side 4-0 back in 2022 to reach the Euros final at Wembley.
However, Sweden went on an impressive run at last year’s World Cup to finish third.
Hervé Renard’s France will also pose a threat to England’s Euro 2025 hopes.
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Les Bleus are second in the FIFA rankings, just above the Lionesses.
As for Ireland, the Girls in Green will be led by Arsenal’s Katie McCabe.
McCabe helped spearhead Ireland to their first major tournament last summer.
Although they managed just one point from Group B, the tournament debutants impressed in Australia against the hosts and Olympic champions Canada.
Despite being drawn in the group of death, England have reason to be confident ahead of this summer’s Euro qualifiers.
Captain Leah Williamson is on the verge of returning to the squad following her ACL injury.
The 26-year-old came close to making her comeback last month but was forced to pull out of the squad due to a hamstring issue.
Wiegman also has several new players to pick from including young stars Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
