Double heartbreak for both England and Sweden as both teams have been knocked out of contention for the final of the 2019 FIFA Womens World Cup.
England were defeated by the reigning world champions the USA on Tuesday, 2 July 2019. The match was no short of excitement with both teams exchanging attacks after attacks. However, in the end, England just had to surrender to the latter with the scoreline of 1-2.
Phil Nevilles side were unfortunate as they could have outscored their opposition. Ellen White scored a goal midway through the second half, but the referee ruled it out for offside. The Lionesses then had another chance at goal with a penalty late in the game, but Alyssa Naeher saved Steph Houghtons shot and held the ball tightly.
Sweden, on the other hand, had to fight until the extra time against the Netherlands. But despite their best efforts, the Dutch ended up being the victors via Jackie Groenens marvellous long-range goal in the first half of extra time. Peter Gerhardssons side matched Sarina Weigmans team move for move in their last encounter, frustrating the Dutch with their unbreakable defence. Unfortunately, it was the same case for Sweden as they also couldnt find a way through to put one past Sari van Veenendaal.
Now on Saturday, both teams will try to forget and leave behind their respective losses and battle again for one last time in the 2019 FIFA Womens World Cup to see wholl take the third place in this prestigious competition. In this tactical analysis, well discuss how both teams may set their tactics up on Saturday.
Both teams setup tactical analysis
England
Neville usually rotates his formation between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-1-4-1 with fluid pivot Jill Scott linking the play, but he might go for a 4-2-3-1 for this match against Sweden. A significant absent for England is centre-back Millie Bright through suspension and she will be replaced by Abbie McManus. Carly Telford started in goal in their last match against the USA, but Karen Bardsley could be the name Neville will choose as these two usually rotates with each other.
Ellen White will continue to be the goal provider for the side, with Nikita Parris and Toni Duggan support her on both flanks. Alex Greenwood is in line to replace Demi Stokes as the left-back has started in most of Englands matches this tournament.
Predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, from left to right): Bardsley Greenwood, Houghton, McManus, Bronze Moore, Scott Parris, Stanway, Mead White
Sweden
Gerhardsson tends to set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 system in this competition. He has used the same 4-2-3-1 system throughout the FIFA Womens World Cup. The only exception was the game against Germany where he deployed his team in a 4-4-2 shape. Yet it was still a hugely similar system only with Kosovare Asllani being moved slightly forward to play alongside Stina Blackstenius.
There are some worries that Asllani may be out of the team in their third-place game. The creative attacking midfielder suffered what seemed to be a neck injury after an aerial duel with a Dutch player. She was stretchered off the field, but initials scans showed that it didnt cause serious damage to the player. As of now, Julia Zigiotti may be in contention to replace her in the attacking midfield position. Madelen Janogy and Lina Hurtig could be available as well if Gerhardsson deploys his team in a 4-4-2 shape with either of the two playing alongside Blackstenius.
Predicted starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): Lindahl Glas, Fischer, Sembrant, Ericsson Jakobsson, Rubensson, Seger, Rolfo Blackstenius, Hurtig
Swedens mid-low block
Throughout the FIFA Womens World Cup we can see that Swedens approach to the game was quite flexible. They seemed similar but a bit different game by game. But what we can clearly see is that they tend to defend with a mid-low block and they love to launch counter-attacks with Blackstenius as the target. Now were going to leave the latter for later as Ill explain the former first in this section.
As we can see from the picture, Sweden tend to defend with a mid-low block. Their shape is very compact, allowing almost no gap at all, especially between the midfield and defensive line. However, there is a fairly big gap between the midfield line and the forwards. This is due to the forwards pressing the centre-back. In this particular match, Sweden aimed to mark the passing lane and press centre-back Dominique Bloodworth and defensive midfielder Sherida Spitse, who were both extremely crucial in the Netherlands build-up play.
As a result, the Netherlands resorted to progressing the ball via the full-backs or relying on Stefanie van der Gragt whos less proficient in playing the ball. This strategy w
