Six Dutch and Swedish stars to feature at Euro including WSL aces Miedema and Eriksson

SWEDEN are attempting to reach a European Championship final for the first time since the tournament began in 1984.

They meet a Dutch side looking to win the competition for the second year in a row after their triumph in 2017.

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The clash at Bramall Lane, which will be broadcast live on BBC One at 20:00, is the second of two Group C opening games in which Portugal drew 2-2 with Switzerland.

Sweden — beaten finalists at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics in 2016 and last August — are hoping for their first major tournament victory in 38 years.

But they will meet a Dutch team that has a number of attacking talents.

Here’s a look at six stars who are likely to play a big role for teams at this year’s Euro.

NNetherlands

Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal) – Fforward

The 25-year-old Arsenal hotshot is currently her national team’s all-time leading goalscorer.

The forward made history in June 2019 when she became her country’s top scorer with 60 goals after a brace against Cameroon.

And Miedema helped her national team win their first major title five years ago.

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She was on the goalscoring chart as her team, then coached by Sarina Wiegman, beat Denmark 4-2 to win Euro 2017.

In March, the Gunners star made history again when she became the first player to have 100 WSL goals.

Lieke Martens (Paris Saint-Germain) – Wginger

Martens finished Euro 2017 as the competition’s third-top scorer behind compatriot Miedema and Golden Boot winner Jodie Taylor.

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Back then, the 29-year-old forward was named Player of the Tournament for her impressive offensive performances.

The former Barcelona star has earned praise for her flair and tricks on the wing.

She was among the aces who impressed in the club’s 4-0 Champions League final win over Chelsea last year.

Since making her international debut in 2011, Martens has scored 55 goals in 136 games.

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Jackie Groenen (Manchester United) – Midfielder

The 27-year-old Manchester United fan favorite was her national team’s player of the match as they beat Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

Her goal in the 99th minute secured the Netherlands a place in the finals against the United States.

Her defensive and offensive versatility in a holding role proved effective as her club aimed for a top-three finish in the 2020-21 season

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Back then, United were narrowly beaten to third place by just one point.

Groenen has scored nine goals and won 87 caps for her national team since her senior debut.

Sweden

Stina Blackstenius (Arsenal) – StRiker

Blackstenius, 26, has had a positive start to her Arsenal career after joining the club from Swedish side BK Hacken in January.

Before joining the Gunners, the striker was one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe, attracting interest from sides such as Manchester United.

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Blackstenius has developed a productive partnership with pals Miedema and Beth Mead, who have scored six goals in 11 WSL games.

Last summer she helped Sweden win a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

The forward scored five goals for the team vying for gold before losing to Canada on penalties

Goals included a brace against USA in the group stage of the tournament.

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Magda Eriksson (Chelsea) – Creturn

Chelsea captain Eriksson, 28, who joined the Blues in 2017, is considered one of the best defenders in the world.

At club level, the Sweden international had an 83% pass rate for Emma Hayes’ side last season.

Since joining Chelsea, Eriksson has won nine major trophies with the club.

Eriksson was a member of the FIFA World XI last year and made 84 appearances for their nation, currently ranked as the second-best side in the world.

She also helped Sweden to a bronze medal at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France when they beat England 2-1.

Her international honors include two silver medal wins at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics in 2016 and 2021.

Kosovare Asllani (AC Milan) – Midfielder

Asllani, 32, has scored 19 goals in 46 appearances during a two-year Real Madrid run from 2020 to this year.

At the Tokyo Olympics, the Swedish star, who sealed a move to AC Milan this summer, formed an impressive midfield partnership with captain Caroline Seger and Filippa Angeldal.

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Asllani scored the winning goal in Sweden’s last win against the Netherlands, a 2-1 friendly win in Canada ahead of the 2015 World Cup.

The midfielder has scored 43 goals in 161 internationals.

She is also Sweden’s third best player after Seger and goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.