Wiegman relieved as England take direct route to Euros

England boss Sarina Wiegman admitted her relief after her side secured qualification for Euro 2025.

A goalless draw against Sweden in Gothenburg was enough for the Lionesses to secure direct qualification for next year's tournament in Switzerland.

Reigning champions England finished second in Ireland's Group A3 and earned a hard-fought point to avoid a play-off scenario for qualification. Their 2-1 over Eileen Gleeson's side at Carrow Road on Friday evening meant they knew a draw was enough travelling to Sweden.

They dominated the first half against, with the best chance falling to Georgia Stanway, before the home side got a foothold in the game.

Sweden threatened after the break and Wiegman admitted it was a relief to qualify following a tough contest.

The England boss said: "I’m happy and very relieved because indeed it was a tough game and again, two different phases.

"The first half I think we dominated, beside the last part. When you play so well, we are so dominant and we have to create more chances and score goals.

"The second half we couldn’t keep up that level, which is something we wanted to do.

"Now we have a year to prepare (for Euro 2025), what we absolutely want to improve is to keep the level.

"But keeping it 0-0, qualifying in this group – which is a very hard group – I’m indeed relieved."

Following a bright start, England were firmly in control of possession for the first half but struggled to break down the Swedish defence.

The hosts showed flashes of danger before the break when Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scrambled an effort wide at the back post.

Lucy Bronze had a powerful effort saved by Zecira Musovic in the second half before the momentum shifted in Sweden’s favour and Filippa Angeldal nearly caught Hannah