Arsenal
[Image] Strongest 3-1-4-2 England line-up to face Sweden including Tottenham and Man City stars
Predicted England line-up to face Sweden in the World Cup quarterfinals
This has been a World Cup of jubilation as well as broken dreams. Until now, we have witnessed surprising uprises and also shocking upsets in a limited span.
But the story of England has been quite encouraging so far. Despite having an inexperienced side this term, they have shown sheer determination and unity.
The Three Lions have lined up a star-studded squad under the passionate Gareth Southgate, emerging as the dark horse in the aftermath of a Round of 16 win against Colombia.
The Englishmen will now lock horns with minnows Sweden, who have surprised the world by making it to the quarterfinals of this ongoing football carnival in Russia.
The 1966 World Champions must not underestimate their opponents as they have earned their place collectively banking on mostly little-known stars.
Team News
Striker Jamie Vardy is a major doubt after picking up a groin injury before the penalty shootout whereas veteran Ashley Young remains uncertain following an ankle sprain suffered during extra time.
Probable England XI
Formation: 3-1-4-2
Manager: Gareth Southgate
Jordan Pickford (GK)
Although the resulting corner from his acrobatic stop allowed Columbia to equalize in closing seconds, the Everton custodian will be a key figure against Sweden.
Kyle Walker (RCB)
Has been sloppy and erroneous at times in a makeshift right centre-back role. Against Sweden, however, the Manchester City full-back must be wary of dynamic Swedish sensation Emil Forsberg.
Kyle Walker
John Stones (CB)
The youngster has shown resilience and composure while taking charge of England’s deep defence.
Harry Maguire (LCB)
The former Hull City defender has earned massive appreciation since joining Leicester City and his towering presence in the backline has helped the Three Lions to claim success so far in this prestigious event.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The Liverpool skipper’s work rate is exemplary and his vision, passing traits, and playmaking skills have benefited England significantly.
Jordan Henderson
Kieran Trippier (RWB)
The Spurs full-back has adapted to an advanced role in the right-hand side where he provides persistent support higher up the pitch. Trippier also backtracks to help the defensive line.
Jesse Lingard (RCM)
Although he scored a stunner against Panama in the group stage encounter, Lingard is yet to justify his form. But the attacker is operating from a slightly deeper role and his dedication, determination and dynamic display make him a key first-team resource for the Three Lions.
Dele Alli (LCM)
The young sensation is having a tough time due to fitness concerns. However, Alli is a fighter and he must strive to put in a solid shift against Sweden as well.
Dele Alli
Ashley Young (LWB)
Although he looked worn-out during towards the end of the game against Colombia, Young has exhibited a decent show so far. He should be handed a start against Sweden.
Raheem Sterling ( RS)
Has been a massive disappointment so far amid hopes of an exhilarating campaign. With Marcus Rashford’s influential display from the bench, however, it is high time for Sterling to uplift his game and guide England to attain the epitome of success with three more wins.
Harry Kane (RS)
The skipper has continued his prolific goalscoring form and has emerged as a prime contender to win the Golden Boot. He has already notched 6 goals and his poaching traits make him the most mischevious individual in a high-spirited England squad.
Arsenal Women host Manchester United on Saturday in a crucial six pointer for Champions League qualification. The Gunners sit just one point above United in the WSL table and victory at Emirates Stadium would give them a strong buffer, while defeat leaves them playing catch up in the race for Europe.
The match marks Arsenal’s return from the winter break following a busy week that saw Renee Slegers sign a new contract and Jodie Taylor promoted to Technical Director. However, the immediate focus is on securing three points against Marc Skinner’s side in what promises to be a tense encounter.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, January 11, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports (UK)
Cooney Cross Absent For Personal Reasons
Arsenal will be without Kyra Cooney Cross who has returned to Australia for personal reasons. Daphne van Domselaar is not quite ready to return from a quad injury while Chloe Kelly remains out with a knee problem. Jenna Nighswonger will not be in the matchday squad as she negotiates a loan move.
New signing Smilla Holmberg from Hammarby will be in the squad alongside recalled goalkeeper Naomi Williams. Manu Zinsberger and Katie Reid are out with ACL injuries. The absence of Cooney Cross means Mariona will likely drop into the deeper midfield role she has occupied for much of the last year.
United Strengthened in January
Manchester United have been busy in the transfer window, adding full back Hanna Lundkvist from San Diego Wave and centre forward Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich. Skinner was dealt a poor hand over the summer with a very small squad handling Champions League qualifiers and the group phase.
Predicted Lineup:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Borbe; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Mariona, Maanum; Mead, Russo, Smith
Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Tullis Joyce; Lundkvist, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg; Miyazawa, Zigiotti; Park, Malard, Awujo; Schuller
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that Jodie Taylor has been appointed as the club’s first ever Technical Director.
The 39-year-old former England striker moves up from her existing role as Technical Services Manager, a position she has held since September 2023 following her retirement from professional football.
Taylor’s promotion comes on the same day Arsenal announced Renee Slegers’ new contract extension through 2029, creating a strategic restructuring of the women’s football department.
A Decade Long Arsenal Connection
Taylor’s relationship with Arsenal spans ten years since first joining as a player in 2016. She scored 10 goals in 17 appearances during her initial spell before returning on a short-term deal in March 2023. Taylor earned 50 plus England caps during her international career and won the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.
She represented her country at the 2015 Women’s World Cup finishing third and played for multiple elite clubs including Lyon, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave throughout her career.
Strategic Structural Development
Taylor’s new role bridges critical areas of football operations including recruitment, analysis, coaching and performance support. She will work closely with Renee Slegers on a daily basis as the Technical Director, providing structural support for coaching decisions and squad development.
Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley praised Taylor’s appointment as integral to continued development of the program as Arsenal challenges for major trophies consistently. Wheatley will now focus on upward management across UEFA, FIFA and domestic boards while Taylor handles day to day operations.
Building a High Performance Environment
Taylor expressed immense pride stepping into her new position, emphasizing Arsenal’s remarkable growth over the past decade. She committed to nurturing a high-performance environment where players, coaching staff and support teams have the right tools to deliver at the highest level.
Her appointment represents investment in female leadership within Arsenal’s technical infrastructure, aligning with the club’s commitment to developing their women’s program systematically and strategically moving forward into their next phase.
Also read: Arsenal Women disable social media comments after sexist backlash to new signing
Arsenal confirmed on January 9, 2026 that head coach Renee Slegers has signed a new long-term contract extending through the summer of 2029.
The 36-year-old Dutch coach was previously due to exit at the end of the 2025-26 season but now commits three and a half additional years to the club. Her extension rewards an extraordinary debut season where she guided Arsenal to historic UEFA Women’s Champions League victory after beating Barcelona 1-0 in the Lisbon final.
From Academy Player to Champions League Winner
Renee Slegers’ connection to Arsenal dates back decades. She played in the club’s academy as a teenager and watched Arsenal claim their previous Champions League trophy in 2007 from the stands. Her return to the club came in summer 2023 as assistant coach following two years leading Swedish club Rosengard where she won back-to-back Damallsvenskan titles.
She stepped into the interim role in October 2024 when Jonas Eidevall departed and impressed immediately with an 11-match unbeaten run. That performance earned her permanent appointment in January 2025, and by May 2025 she had delivered historic Champions League glory.
Arsenal’s Long-Term Vision
Slegers told club media that her journey from academy player to Champions League winning head coach represents immense pride. She stated the club has much to achieve together in the coming seasons. Arsenal Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley described Slegers as an elite coach with capabilities to lead continued title challenges.
Chief Executive Richard Garlick praised her impact driving standards and progress toward consistent top-level competition.
Jodie Taylor Joins as Technical Director
The announcement accompanied confirmation that former England international Jodie Taylor has been appointed Arsenal’s first ever women’s technical director. Taylor, who retired in 2023 after two Arsenal playing spells, will work closely with Slegers on recruitment, analysis and specialisation. Her role bridges previously disconnected recruitment and technical departments creating stronger operational cohesion.
Arsenal continues their title defence facing Manchester United on January 11 with five trophies remaining in play this season.
Also read: Arsenal star Kyra Cooney-Cross returns to Australia after mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis
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