Sweden Women's Football Team's Crucial Final Preparation Ahead of Euro 2025
Sweden's women's football team finalizes preparations for Euro 2025 with a crucial friendly against Norway.
Key Points
- • Final friendly match against Norway before Euro 2025.
- • Fridolina Rolfö's injury status remains uncertain; Madelen Janogy expected to start.
- • Stina Blackstenius in great form, scoring in recent matches.
- • Goalkeeping choices are in flux, with potential debutants Tove Enblom and Emma Holmgren.
The Swedish women's national football team is on the brink of finalizing their preparations for the Euro 2025 tournament, with an important friendly match against Norway set for June 29 in Oslo serving as a critical test before the competition kicks off against Denmark on July 4. Head coach Peter Gerhardsson emphasized the significance of this match, stating, "We will not take any chances" as it provides the players an opportunity to secure their spots in the team for the championship. "It’s a derby so you want to win," Gerhardsson noted, highlighting the competitive atmosphere ahead of this final assessment.
One major concern for the team is the condition of star player Fridolina Rolfö, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury sustained earlier this month. Although she is with the team in training, she has not yet participated in practice sessions, casting doubt on her availability for both the friendly and the upcoming tournament. In light of her uncertain status, Madelen Janogy is expected to fill her position.
In contrast, striker Stina Blackstenius is impressively gearing up for the Euros after scoring in both a Champions League final and a recent Nations League match, bringing positive momentum into the team's preparations. Gerhardsson also considers the inclusion of either Tove Enblom or Emma Holmgren to debut as goalkeepers in the match against Norway, although first-choice Jennifer Falk is eager to play for better team cohesion.
Furthermore, Hanna Lundkvist's participation is uncertain due to jet lag from her recent travels, which might pave the way for 18-year-old debutant Smilla Holmberg, who is fresh off celebrating her graduation. As the team converges on its strategies and line-up decisions, the friendly match against Norway will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping Sweden's approach for their Euro 2025 campaign.
With a mix of excitement and anxiety, the coaching staff and players are focused on ensuring they are in optimal shape for their opening match against Denmark, as they aim to make a strong statement in the tournament.