What: European Championship, women, quarterfinal.
Where: Letzigrundstadion, Zürich, Switzerland.
When: Thursday at 21.00.
TV/radio: SVT1, SVT Play and P4 Radiosporten.
Conditions: It's straight shots now in the playoffs, advancement or trip home before each match. The winner advances to the semifinal in Geneva next Tuesday, while the loser has played out. If it's a tie at full time, extra time awaits, 2x15 minutes, and then a penalty shootout.
Dream situation: By winning their group, Sweden ended up on the easier half of the playoffs on paper. In a potential semifinal, they will face Norway or Italy and not the reigning World Champion Spain (who is a big favorite in their quarterfinal against Switzerland).
Results so far: Sweden enters the quarterfinal with three straight wins: Denmark 1–0, Poland 3–0 and Germany 4–1. England started with a loss, 1–2 against France, but has since won two matches big: 4–0 against the Netherlands and 6–1 against Wales.
Opposition: The reigning European Champion entered this year's tournament as one of the pre-favorites. The initial loss to France brought England back down to earth, but the team has bounced back strongly. In the European Championship three years ago, they defeated Sweden in the semifinal, 4–0. The two meetings since then, in the European Championship qualifiers last year, ended in a draw, however.
Injury situation: Both Fridolina Rolfö and Magdalena Eriksson, who entered the tournament with injuries, started in the last match. It therefore looks very positive for national team coach Peter Gerhardsson, who can also be pleased to have already given all outfield players playing time.
Rest: Sweden got a day's longer rest than England between the group stage and the playoffs. Can it be decisive?
Will Holmberg start?: Smilla Holmberg was a success and scored a goal when she got to start against Germany. The strong performance makes the competition for the right-back spot tighter. Will the 18-year-old get the chance again, or will Gerhardsson choose the slightly more experienced Hanna Lundkvist?
Sweden, possible starting eleven (4–3–3): Jennifer Falk – Smilla Holmberg, Nathalie Björn, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson – Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Julia Zigiotti Olme – Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Stina Blackstenius, Fridolina Rolfö.
Substitutes: Tove Enblom (mv), Emma Holmgren (mv), Linda Sembrant, Hanna Lundkvist, Amanda Ilestedt, Amanda Nildén, Hanna Bennison, Rebecka Blomqvist, Lina Hurtig, Sofia Jakobsson, Madelen Janogy, Ellen Wangerheim.
National team coach: Peter Gerhardsson.
England, possible starting eleven (4–3–3): Hannah Hampton – Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Jessica Carter, Alex Greenwood – Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone – Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp.
Substitutes: Anna Moorhouse (mv), Khiara Keating (mv), Niamh Charles, Beth Mead, Maya Le Tissier, Grace Clinton, Esme Morgan, Michelle Agyemang, Chloe Kelly, Agnes Beever-Jones, Jessica Park, Lotte Wubben-Moy.
National team coach: Sarina Wiegman.
