Sweden's National Football Team Leverages Psychological Support as EM 2025 Quarterfinals Approaches

As Sweden's national football team gears up for their quarterfinal match against England on July 17, the squad is increasingly relying on psychological support as a cornerstone of their strategy in the ongoing EM 2025 tournament. Rasmus Liljeblad, the team's psychologist who has been with the squad for eight years, engages with players through both individual sessions and group discussions focused on strategies and team dynamics. He emphasizes the heightened importance of mental resilience as the competition progresses, stating, "All challenges are more intense. The key is to anticipate issues and support players who require extra help during these challenges."

This season, the players have fostered a strong culture of open communication and mutual support, which Liljeblad believes significantly enhances their performance—an observation echoed by player Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. She remarked on the familial atmosphere within the team, saying, "Here, everyone can be with everyone; it creates a family feeling, and we make each other better every day."

Amid the focus on mental preparation, there are concerns regarding key player Kosovare Asllani, who suffered a shoulder injury during a recent match against Germany. Although she trained with her shoulder taped two days before the critical match against England, the national team management expects her to be fit, citing her impressive contributions of three assists and one goal in the group stage. The quarterfinal showdown is set for July 17 at 21:00 in Zurich, with anticipation building for Sweden's performance on the big stage.