London. A big question mark surrounds tired Caroline Seeger and Kosovar Aslani.
Fran Kirby does not utter the words that it is good news for England before the semi-finals.
– From our side, of course, it would be fine if they did not play, she says, also referring to the pressure on Sweden.
Caroline Seger He’s back in training but still uncertain ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final match at Bramall Lane.
How Indigenous Kosovars Mares are also shrouded in mystery.
If the duo are not on the field on Tuesday, that’s bad for Sweden but better for England, as Frank Kirby points out.
– We’ve seen in previous tournaments how important it is. Seger is a great player with a lot of experience. I think she’s what makes the team click, says Kirby, and pulls it together.
– And of course Aslani’s qualities with the ball, the positions she creates, her movement patterns … It is very difficult to observe. So if they’re unsure about the matches, that’s great for us, but not for all viewers because there are two players who bring great qualities that everyone wants to see.
“One of the toughest goalkeepers I’ve faced”
Kirby is familiar with the Swedish national team from both the Women’s Super League and previous tournaments.
Not least the blue and yellow defense. In addition to his current Chelsea teammates Magdalena Ericsson and Zisera Mosovic, the Englishman has a good understanding of Jonah Anderson (who recently left for Hammarby) and Hedvig Lindahl (who belonged to the club from 2015-2019).
Kirby admits she has insight into the opposition’s next line of defense but…
“Obviously I had a great opportunity to play with Magda, Hedvig and Jonah and I know how wonderful people they are,” she says and adds:
– I know Hedvig is one of the toughest goalkeepers I’ve ever come across.
Thus, it has not been determined whether the knowledge will be useful in the semi-finals or not.
They have great personalities and leaders (in the team). So I feel more respect instead of knowing how to defeat these players. Kirby says you never know what will happen in the match.
Press overlay: “They are first”
Kirby doesn’t have much to offer for Sweden trying to pass on patronage to the host country.
– Everyone outside probably thinks so, but we don’t let them in our group, she explains.
They are the highest rated team remaining in the tournament so they obviously did a good job getting here. They are in the semi-finals and they are not past the semi-finals of the World Cup, so I think we are in a similar situation. But like I said, we don’t let stress affect us.
How do you say Sweden has evolved since the bronze medal match at the 2019 World Cup?
– They changed their formation and played more with a three-line defense to better suit their playing style. I’m not entirely sure if much has changed. I think Sweden is well organized in terms of how they play and very physical. It’s a team with a great routine.
Kirby also points out that Swedish players, especially those who play for WSL clubs, of course have a good understanding of England.
– But there are some girls who are in their first tournament and don’t know that either. It will be interesting to see what the dynamic will be when we meet each other this time.
