England have reached their first World Cup semi-final since 1990 after defeating Sweden 2-0 in the quarter-final clash in Samara on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate’s men had the advantage at the interval thanks to Harry Maguire’s powerful header and the Three Lions ended the first-half in a strong possession.
Sweden looked like they needed the break and had not managed to offer any real threat in the final third.
It was yet another set-piece goal for England! A lovely, lofted corner by Ashley Young from the English left side which was powered into the net off the head of the Leicester City defender in the 30th minute.
It was two clear-cut chances that Raheem Sterling failed to get any luck from. He drove his first attempt straight into Robin Olsen while one-on-one with the Swedish keeper, and then took too much time with a beautiful ball over the top before his shot was deflected over.
The second half didn’t come without a few shaky moments for England with Jordan Pickford twice making outstanding saves.
Dele Alli doubled England’s lead with a perfect header from a Jesse Lingard’s lofted cross in the 59th minute.
With 20 minutes to go, Janne Andersson made a double change which saw John Guidetti coming on for Ola Toivonen in the attack, while Martin Olsson took a spot in the midfield for Emil Forsberg.
Fresh from welcoming his third daughter into the world, Fabian Delph replaced Alli in the 77th minute.
In the 85th minute, it was a straight swap for England in midfield, as Jordan Henderson made way for Eric Dier while Sweden made their final change with Pontus Jansson coming on for Emil Krafth.
Marcus Rashford came on for Sterling in 90+1 minute for England’s final substitution of the match. (The Cable)
