England have won through to the semi-finals of the World Cup with a 2-0 win over a disappointing Sweden.
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It was a game that didn’t produce the quality of football to match its importance.
From the beginning England had the better of possession while the Swedes looked to counter, but neither side was able to fashion any good chances in the opening thirty minutes.
The first set piece opportunity for the Three Lions – a corner – resulted in the first shot on target and indeed the first goal. Harry Maguire rose well to hit the cross with power past Robin Olsson.
Normally goals open up the game, but the Swedes didn’t seem to have the imagination or cohesion to really trouble the England defence, and for the rest of the half and indeed the start of the second it was Raheem Sterling who looked the most threatening as counterattacking opportunities opened up.
However the Manchester City winger, who has struggled to find the net at international level, couldn’t quite put the game away from a number of decent chances.
It didn’t matter though, as England extended their lead in the 59th minute. After a period of pressure the Swedish defence was pulled out of shape, and Lingert in space directed a cross onto the head of the unmarked Delle Ali, and it was a straightforward finish from inside the six-yard box.
The Swedes had no choice now but to attack in numbers. They had some reasonable attempts, with Marcus Berg and Viktor Claesson both denied well by the in-form Jamie Pickford in England’s goal.
But in truth their chances were sparse. The English defence held up well in what was for the most part a dour and low tempo game.
England looked professional and comfortable mostly, but possibly a bit less dangerous up front than they’d like; the two goals were in fact their only shots on target for the match.
They now progress through to a semi final against the winner of Croatia and Russia. While this game won’t be remembered for much other than the result, Gareth Southgate will no doubt be glad for a straightforward win that won’t tax his players too greatly, and his team’s first clean sheet at this tournament.
Sweden have had a strong tournament, but will surely be disappointed to have gone out with more of a whimper than a bang.
pacman
Guest
Jordan (not Jamie) Pickford was in top form and saved England's ass. He had far more to do than did his opposite number, even if the latter's efforts were restricted to getting the ball out of the net.
Kurt
Guest
It's definitely possibly maybe coming home...
NUFCMVFC
Roar Guru
Good win, A team needs to develop the capacity for the professional win Kane didn't seem to have his usual sense of positioning but can't be in the zone every game and good that on the days you aren't other players step up Sweden should have brought Ibrahimovich IMO Well done to Pickford, some good smart saves Sterling did well to get into good positions but should have squared to Kane at the end of the first half