Arizona Tribune - Sweden flying under Euros radar ahead of England clash, says Asllani

Spain, France and England have dominated headlines in Switzerland but Sweden swept into the last eight with three powerful displays, including a thumping of Germany, on their way to winning Group C with a perfect nine points.

"I feel like Sweden are always flying under the radar, I would say," attacking midfielder Asllani told reporters.

"And it is something that kind of suits us because obviously we think that we are one of the best teams in the world due to the results we have been doing the last few years from the tournaments. But people rarely speak about us as someone that can win the gold.

"We know we can beat any team in the world when we have our best day. We don't think about it too much but I think people should talk about us more."

Sweden take on England, who finished second in Group D, in Zurich on Thursday with memories still fresh of a 4-0 defeat to the Lionesses at the last Euros three years ago.

But Asllani said that she and her teammates are focussing on two recent draws with the reigning European champions as they hunt a first major honour since winning the first official Euros way back in 1984.

"We have incredible belief in one another and the entire team. We do play very intense and physical football and since (coach) Peter (Gerhardsson) took over that has developed," added Asllani.

"We have developed enormously over last few years. We have players at major clubs, and then you came here and you mesh it all together. We are a very hungry team and want success."

She said she believed the tournament begins in earnest with the quarter-finals.

"It feels like a tournament really gets going when the group stage is over. We have experience of these kinds of matches, and the fun sort of starts now... when you test your mettle against the best teams."

R.Lee--AT