England have reached their first World Cup semifinal since 1990. Goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli secured a 2-0 victory over Sweden in Samara on Saturday for the Three Lions.
England will be playing their first semi-final since 1990.
A fast start saw Sweden pressing high to try to stop England playing out from the back. After seven minutes, England had a glimpse of an opening.
Alli tried to feed the ball through to Harry Kane, who had space, but his pass was overhit.
A Sweden free-kick from midway inside the England half was too long. And, then a long throw into the England area was adjudged to have been handled by Granqvist.
It was a scrappy nervy opening in Samara. Kyle Walker had a chance to cross; he could only ping the ball into the gloves of keeper Robin Olsen. But England were close to an opener after 19 minutes. Sterling’s run saw the ball fall to Harry Kane on the edge of the area, and his low effort got drilled beyond the far post.
Finally Southgate’s men broke through from the corner on the half-hour. Young whipped the ball in, and Maguire thumped home a fine header to make it 1-0.
The Lions had a chance after a few minutes to double the lead. But in the end, it was a hilarious miss from out of form Sterling.
Southgate’s side were beginning to dominate again in the second half. With 59 minutes gone, they scored the second goal their performance deserved. Lingard’s cross was headed home by Alli at the far post.
Two minutes later, Sweden were close to pulling a goal back. But a brilliant save from Pickford denied them in the end. Sweden made a double change, as they tried to find a way back into the game.
But it was too late, and the Lions started to celebrate right after the full-time whistle.
FT: England 2-0 Sweden
Harru Maguire 30′ | Delle Alli 58′