England Sail Pass the Swedes; Qualify for World Cup Semi-final First Time In 28 Years
In a a never ending chain of surprises that has characterised the Russia 2018 World Cup, the English National Team ‘3 Lions’ have qualified for the semi-final of the world cup for the first time in twenty-eight years.
McGuire opened the score sheet with a mid-fielder’s header to score the first international goal of his career; the Leicester defender powering home Ashley Young’s delivery in the 30th minute. Alli then nodded home in the 59th minute after Jesse Lingard floated a cross towards the back post.
England made a scrappy start but they did enjoy more possession, with Sweden inviting England on.
Sterling’s first forward run led to a free-kick which Henderson took quickly but hit it straight against a Sweden player. The referee waved play on but England immediately lost the ball attempting to switch the play wide on the left.
Alli dispossessed Krafth at the next England attack but his through-ball for Harry Kane ran too long and Robin Olsen easily gathered.
In the 19th minute England broke with speed, Henderson shuttling the ball forward for Sterling. The Manchester City winger progressed upfield and stepped aside when his run brought him alongside Kane. The captain swept at goal from 20 yards but was a yard off target.
England won their first corner after half an hour following good work from Henderson, Alli and Trippier. It proved a goldmine for Southgate’s side, Young clipping a ball towards the penalty spot in Maguire’s direction. The Leicester defender attacked the space, leapt above Forsberg and powered home to make it 1-0.
Towards the end of the first half Sterling was pulled up for offside after going through one on one with Olsen but his reticence over releasing his shot spoke of his growing nerves in front of goal.
The second half was less than two minutes old when Berg went up against Young at the far post and when a cross was swung in he climbed high and headed towards goal but Pickford was alert.
England started to enjoy extra space in the final third, created by Sweden’s greater need to attack. In the 59th minute that territory turned into their second goal. Trippier played the ball back for Lingard and when the Manchester United man hung a cross towards the back post Alli slipped the defensive net. By the time he leapt to nod the ball home he was all alone and Krafth’s hopes for an offside flag came to nothing.
Sweden made two changes with 25 minutes to go, replacing Toivonen and Forsberg with John Guidetti and Martin Olsson. The alterations did not help them repel another England corner, half clearing only to leave Maguire sweeping up a ricochet. He hooked a shot at goal but his effort never worried Olsen.
England’s semi-final opponents will be decided on Saturday night, when the host nation Russia face Croatia at the Fisht Stadium.