England football icon Kelly Smith has branded Sweden's decision to play a friendly against Norway days before facing the Lionesses as "disrespectful" to women's football.
The former Arsenal and England striker, who earned 117 caps for her country, didn't hold back in her criticism of the Scandinavian side's scheduling ahead of their crucial Euro 2025 qualifier on 16 July.
Controversial Fixture Timing
Smith expressed her disbelief at Sweden's choice to arrange a match against neighbours Norway on 12 July, just four days before their competitive fixture against Sarina Wiegman's side.
"I find it quite disrespectful to the women's game that Sweden are playing a friendly against Norway just days before our qualifier," Smith told Sky Sports. "It's not something you'd see in the men's game."
England's Preparation Contrast
The Lionesses, by contrast, will have a full week of preparation after their final pre-tournament friendly against the Republic of Ireland on 9 July.
Smith, now a respected pundit, questioned whether Sweden were taking the qualifier seriously enough: "It makes you wonder about their priorities. We know how important these qualifiers are for growing the women's game."
Key Euro 2025 Qualifier
The match at Stockholm's Friends Arena on 16 July represents a crucial early test for both sides in their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
England, fresh from their Euro 2022 triumph, will be looking to maintain their dominance in European football, while Sweden aim to bounce back after their disappointing World Cup semi-final exit last year.
Smith warned: "The Lionesses shouldn't need any extra motivation, but this will certainly add some spice to what was already going to be a massive game."
