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As it happenedended

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

Michael Jones
Saturday 07 July 2018 17:56 BST
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BoxPark Croydon celebrates Dele Alli's goal

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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...


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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.

England fans singing 'Its Coming Home'

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.

England survived a scare to reach this far
England survived a scare to reach this far (FIFA via Getty Images)

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.

71 mins: CHANCE! Sweden break down the left and the ball comes to Guidetti, he whips the ball into Berg who collects it, turns and hits his shot at Pickford. England's goal-keeper makes a good finger tip save to clear the danger

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:29

74 mins: Harry Maguire makes a strong challenge on Claesson and England win a throw in deep in Sweden's half, but good pressure means the ball comes back to the defence and it's pumped forward again.

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:31

75 mins: Dele Alli is replaced by Fabian Delph, and he's embraced by Gareth Southgate as he leaves the pitch

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:33

77 mins: Great defending from Krafth, Delph sends the ball out to Trippier who immediately returns the ball into the box looking for Sterling but Krafth is there to block the cross

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:34

80 mins: We just had a break as Krafth received some treatment after a collision with Young, Pickford has the ball and he punts it forward but Sweden win it back and attack to no avail

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:38

82 mins: Lingard has another shot blocked, the ball comes all the way back to Pickford who finds Trippier with a long ball, he heads it to Kane, gets the ball back and is fouled. Free kick to England

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:39

84 mins: Trippier takes the free kick and it sails over everyone for a goal kick. Henderson is coming off and Eric Dier is on for the last 10 minutes or so

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:41

86 mins: Lingard wins a free kick on the right wing, Trippier takes it and whips it into the box but it's scrambled to safety by Sweden

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:43

87 mins: Maguire gets a yellow card from referee Björn Kuipers, but England come at Sweden again and a mix-up from Sterling and Delph lets the ball go out of play for a goal kick 

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:45

89 mins: ​Harry Maguire gives away a free kick on the edge of England's box, he brought down Granqvist and this could cause trouble for England

Michael Jones7 July 2018 16:46

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