England vs Sweden LIVE World Cup 2018: England into semi-finals - final score, latest reaction and highlights
Follow the latest from the World Cup quarter-final in Samara
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England will play for a place in the World Cup final after beating Sweden 2-0, matching their second-best ever performance at the tournament and putting them on the verge of history.
Harry Maguire and Dele Alli found the back of the net either side of half-time as England cruised to a deserved victory in Samara, setting them up with a potential semi-final against hosts Russia if they can negotiate Croatia in the final quarter-final.
It means that England have reached the last four for the first time since Italia '90, and ensures that hey will play two more games in Russia - either the third-place play-off or in the World Cup final.
Here's how the action unfolded...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
When is it?
England vs Sweden is on Saturday 7 July and kicks off at 15:00 at the Samara Arena.
Where can I watch it?
BBC will be showing live coverage on BBC One and online on the BBC Sport website.
How did they get here?
Sweden surprisingly topped their group ahead of Mexico and Germany after it looked like Toni Kroos’ late winning goal in their 2-1 defeat against the Germans would spell their exit. Their round of 16 tie against Switzerland was typical of their tournament to date, they defended well as a team, grabbed their goal and defended some more.
Southgate rested eight players against Belgium as England finished second in Group G which granted them an arguably easier path through the knockout rounds. The dramatic win against Colombia picks up the momentum that was created by wins Tunisia and Panama in the group stage.
What is their World Cup history?
While never winning it, Sweden have historically done well at World Cups, and the closest they came to glory was in 1958 when they lost to Pele’s Brazil in the final. Recent history has not been too kind to Sweden who had not qualified for a World Cup since 2006.
Winners in 1966, it’s been over 60 years of hurt for the Three Lions who may have their best chance to win a World Cup since Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in the final against Germany. England’s dramatic win against Colombia was the first time they have won a knockout match since beating Ecuador in 2006. Victory against Sweden will put England into the last four for the first time since 1990 and will the only the third time they have advanced to the semi-final.
Odds
England: 10/11
Sweden: 7/2
Draw (90 minutes): 9/4
Head-to-head
England have faced Sweden 25 times down the years only coming out on the winning side on eight occasions. The last time they squared off was back in 2012 when a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic proved the hero for the hosts in Stockholm.
Prediction
England 2-1 Sweden: The Three Lions have shown admirable grit to make it this far and they'll need it again against a nuggety and stubborn Swedish side. They should have enough quality however, with that man Harry Kane the difference again.
Some cracking news from this morning as everyone seems to be getting behind the boys including her majesty! Well the Royal Band at least
The fans are gathering in Samara, they're ready, we're ready, let's go England!
Gareth Southgate just spoke to the media, here's what he had to say:
"I'm enjoying this a lot, we're having a fantastic experience, but we've still got a lot of improvement to make, to make sure we bring everything to the table.
"The players are well prepared, they've recovered from the other night and we are well up for the challenge
"Our group are very together and we hope that we can bring our quality today as well."
Lots of support coming in from the England fans, here's a great video from Wimbledon!
The teams are coming out onto the pitch, the Swedish national anthem is up first, a nice regal tune that the players sing with gusto but there's only one anthem we're interested in today... all together now "God save our gracious Queen...!"
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments