Sweden are just one game away from securing a first UEFA Women’s Euro final appearance in more than two decades. An in-form England side containing Eriksson’s club team-mates Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Jess Carter and Beth England stand in Sweden’s way, with the two sides set to contest a semi-final tie at a sold-out Bramall Lane in Sheffield this evening.

‘We are so ready for this, it is all of our dreams, this game is what we have been dreaming for and reaching the next stage,’ Eriksson said at the pre-match press conference.

‘We are going to do everything that we possibly can. Reaching that final is all that we dream of and it would be amazing whoever we would face.

‘I know a lot of the English girls and this stadium is going to generate a big atmosphere. Winning tonight would be so cool, but it would have been no matter who we faced.’

England are set to be backed by a vocal home crowd of close to 30,000 in South Yorkshire. Eriksson said that Sweden have previous experience of similar situations and that they won’t be fazed by the occasion or by what is going on in the stands.

She said: ‘We have so much experience in our team and it is a situation that we have been faced with before in the 2016 Olympics, we played Brazil in the semi-final.

‘Of course (having the home crowd) is England’s benefit but we also know that it will bring extra pressure for them to play well. We can go out there and do everything that we possibly can to make it difficult for them.

‘I value experience a lot because I know how much I have grown with experience and I know how much experience gives you confidence. Having done things before, it makes doing things again easier.’

With Eriksson set to come up against four of her club team-mates, the defender was asked whether there had been any contact leading up to the game. The players have resisted temptation to get into dialogue so far, although Eriksson has not ruled out some contact.

‘I haven’t spoken to any of them yet, maybe I’ll send them a little message before the game,’ she said. ‘Of course, afterwards, we will speak.’

The UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 semi-final tie between England and Sweden kicks-off at 8pm. Fans can keep up-to-date with the game on our social media channels ‘@ChelseaFCW’.