The Women’s Euro has entered its knockout stage this week in Switzerland, with the quarterfinals starting on Wednesday, July 16. Norway and Italy, both returning to this stage for the first time since 2013, open the action at the Stade de Genève. The tournament’s highlight, England versus Sweden, is scheduled for Thursday in Zurich, drawing significant attention due to its competitive nature and key implications. This moment has triggered excitement across football fans, combined with transfer rumors emerging on the club front.

England and Sweden Face Off in Decisive Quarterfinal Clash

England, finishing second in a tough Group D, is set to confront Sweden, the winners of Group C, in a compelling quarterfinal midweek match. England carries the burden of being the reigning champions and favorites according to several oddsmakers, though their opening loss to France has sparked doubt regarding their resilience against Sweden’s physical and tactical approach. Meanwhile, Sweden impressed by defeating a 10-player Germany squad 4-1 in the final group match, signaling they could be a formidable threat.

“[England] had a very poor opening day performance against France, looking clueless and rattled throughout the majority of the game, and it seeped onto the sidelines as well as manager Sarina Wiegman made few adjustments. Maybe it was a wake-up call, because the Lionesses rallied through the group stage, and Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Georgia Stanway are leading the charge on the pitch … [Sweden] do a very good job of managing the opponent in front of them, and they showed that they can be clinical when high stakes are involved. Despite earlier matches where they sometimes left too many chances on the pitch, they made them count against group rivals Germany to win the group and look like a dangerous threat heading into the knockout rounds.” —Sandra Herrera, Analyst

The quarterfinal schedule continues with Spain facing tournament hosts Switzerland, favored due to their recent Women’s World Cup triumph, followed by a high-profile France versus Germany contest. Germany, attempting to move on from their 2023 World Cup exit, are handicapped by the absence of captain Giulia Gwinn due to injury. France strikes a balance with a potent offense capable of rising to critical moments, as evidenced by their earlier victory over England.

Premier League Transfer Buzz Centered on Attackers

While the Women’s Euro captures much attention, Europe’s major clubs are actively reshaping rosters ahead of new seasons. Liverpool has emerged as a focal point, having added top attacking talent such as Florian Wirtz. Reports suggest the Premier League champions are eyeing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, a prolific goal scorer who has netted 62 goals in 109 appearances. Though Liverpool has engaged in contact with Newcastle, a formal transfer offer is still pending, and the asking price is reportedly around $160 million.

This potential transfer signals further changes, as Newcastle looks to fill gaps by targeting Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who also interests Liverpool. These moves raise questions about Liverpool’s current squad, especially given their rejection of Bayern Munich’s $78.6 million offer for winger Luis Diaz, indicating an intent to maintain a depth-rich attacking lineup.

U.S. Players Make Notable International Moves

In other developments, U.S. men’s national team members have completed significant transfers. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso moved from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid, a step up as the World Cup approaches. Additionally, forward Patrick Agyemang left MLS club Charlotte FC for England’s Championship side Derby County. Agyemang’s performances at the recent Concacaf Gold Cup have sparked mixed reviews but suggest potential for the U.S. roster.

“He started every game of the Concacaf Gold Cup, and his movement helped create space for others, but Agyemang also missed easy chances in games. In a physical league like the Championship, defenders will close down in space quicker, and he’ll have less time to make decisions, which is where accurate finishing is critical. … Agyemang has a profile that could also lead to success, but he joins a team that struggled to put the ball in the net. Only scoring 48 goals in 46 matches, Derby will need all the goals that they can get from him, but there’s also room for him to be a hit there if he can hit the ground running. Joining now ahead of preseason while already being match fit from MLS will give Agyemang every opportunity to earn the starting role and run with it. Grade: A” —Chuck Booth, Analyst

Lionel Messi’s Associate Poised to Join Inter Miami

In club news related to Lionel Messi, reports suggest that a close associate of his is set to join Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team where Messi currently plays. What makes this potential transfer notable is that the player in question is not nearing retirement, signaling a fresh injection of talent into Inter Miami’s squad. This could significantly bolster the team’s performance and deepen the connection to one of football’s all-time greats.

Upcoming Women’s Euro Fixtures and Expectations

Following the opening quarterfinals, the tournament continues into Friday and Saturday with fixtures featuring Spain against Switzerland and France versus Germany. The matches are expected to offer a blend of tactical skill, youthful talent, and veteran leadership as the remaining teams compete for a place in the semifinals.

Many analysts remain optimistic about England’s chances to win the tournament despite their challenging path. Spain, however, retains status as the favorite to lift the trophy, reflecting their dominance in recent international competitions.

• Predicted Champion: England is tipped at a +440 odds to win the Women’s Euro, with experts recognizing their recovery after a shaky group stage and their powerful offensive trio. If England overcomes Sweden, their championship credentials will be nearly impossible to overlook.

Media Coverage Spotlight: Soccer Networks and Programming

For fans eager to follow the unfolding soccer drama, CBS Sports Golazo Network offers extensive programming. Key highlights include the weekday “Morning Footy” show featuring interviews and storylines, Champions League pregame coverage hosted by Kate Scott with panelists such as Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher, and post-match analyses through shows like “The Champions Club” and “Scoreline.” This channel provides comprehensive, round-the-clock soccer content freely streaming on multiple platforms.

Significance of Current Developments in Soccer’s Global Landscape

The convergence of the Women’s Euro knockout matches with major club transfer movements highlights a dynamic period in the soccer world. As national teams battle for continental supremacy, clubs like Inter Miami, Liverpool, and Atletico Madrid recalibrate their rosters to compete domestically and internationally. Lionel Messi’s presence in MLS and the rumored arrival of a close teammate could elevate the profile and quality of the league, bringing renewed excitement ahead of the World Cup season. Meanwhile, the quarterfinal matches in Switzerland offer fans thrilling, high-stakes games that could reshape the future of women’s football in Europe.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?

A. Lionel Messi has shared that he is a Roman Catholic. Although he rarely talks about his religion, he has mentioned his belief in God and being thankful for his abilities.

Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?

A. He felt a deep impact from her passing just before he turned eleven. As a dedicated Catholic, he now honors his grandmother by scoring goals, then looking up and pointing to the sky.