England Secure Euro 2025 Spot with Gritty Draw Against Sweden

England secured a spot in Euro 2025 with a 0-0 draw against Sweden, advancing as Group A3 runners-up. Sweden heads to the playoffs, finishing third. France led the group but was shocked by a defeat to Ireland. Other group winners included Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Germany.

European champions England withstood a second-half barrage to secure a 0-0 draw against Sweden in Group A3, ensuring their qualification for Euro 2025. Sweden will head for the playoffs after finishing third. England finished as runners-up with 11 points, trailing group winners France, who suffered a shocking 3-1 loss to Ireland.

England only needed a draw to advance and managed to contain Sweden well in the first half. However, they faced tremendous pressure in the second half, highlighted by Sweden's Filippa Angeldahl's near-miss with a powerful strike. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton's crucial save maintained her clean sheet and England's spot in next year's finals in Switzerland.

France, already through after a win over Sweden in Dijon, went two goals down to Ireland in Cork before reducing the deficit. Yet a late goal from Anna Patten sealed a 3-1 victory for the hosts. Switzerland qualifies automatically as hosts, while top two teams from each of the four League A groups secure direct spots. Third and fourth-placed teams will enter playoffs for the remaining seven positions in the 16-team tournament.

Elsewhere, Italy dominated Finland 4-0 to top Group A1, with the Netherlands also advancing automatically after a 1-1 draw against Norway. Spain and Denmark, already qualified, closed their campaigns with wins over Belgium and the Czech Republic respectively. Germany topped Group A4 with 15 points, but their 4-0 win over Austria was marred by a midfield injury to Lena Oberdorf. Iceland secured second place with a 1-0 victory over Poland.

(With inputs from agencies.)