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.
21 mins: England go forward on the counter but Sweden get back in numbers, a good opportunity for England but they look nervous and nothing comes from it
23 mins: Trippier wins the ball back on the edge of Sweden's box, he links up with Lingard and then hits a low cross into the box trying to find Kane but it's deflected and Olsen smothers the ball
25 mins: Berg gets in behind Maguire as the ball comes over the top but the Swedish striker is offside
A man not to be messed with
Bjorn Kuipers lays down the law to Jordan Henderson early on
28 mins: It's been a scrappy game so far, but Sterling has been good for England, he runs into the box again and flicks it out to Young on the left wing. The ball comes in, it's cleared but England come again, this time from the right, Trippier whips it in and wins a corner.
29 mins: GOAL! SWEDEN 0 - 1 ENGLAND - Maguire
Ashley Young, whips the corner into the box, England's love train breaks away into space and Harry Maguire runs into the middle of the box and gets a powerful head onto the ball, to score his first goal for England!
34 mins: England look a lot more confident now, Pickford finds Trippier on the right and he looks for Sterling with a cross but Granqvist is there and he clears it to Henderson who shoots but it's wide
37 mins: Sweden are pressing high now, they get the ball out to Krafth on the right and his cross is over the head of Berg, England throw in
Heads up!
Harry Maguire heads England into the lead with from a 29th-minute corner
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments