England became the third of four European teams to enter the last four round of the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Saturday. In its third World Cup encounter against Sweden, England scored once in each half to make the last four round for the first time since 1990.
England have now joined France and Belgium in the semi-finals. The fourth semi-finalist will be decided in the last quarter final game betwen the hosts Russia and Croatia.
Though it was all known that semi-finals of 2018 would be an all-Europe affair, both England and Sweden took to their quarter final on a cautious note. While England made full use of its chances, Sweden fumbled to make exit from the elite soccer event.
England and Sweden have met 24 times before in which England was victorious eight teams and losers on seven occasions while the remaining nine ended in draws.
Sweden, epitome of defensive discipline, have had progressed to semis of World Cup thrice before in 1938, 1958 and 1994.
Though Harry Kane, a strong contender for Golden Boot with six goals to his individual tally, could not add to his tally today, he was the most marked player. If Harry Maguire was able to head in England's first goal, it was primarily because that Swedes had focused more on covering Harry Kane, leaving Maguire little free. The first goal came in the 30th minute.
England could have consolidated the lead before the game broke for interval. Raheem Sterling had a brilliant run and was well in one to one position with Swedish goalkeeper Olson. He, however, found himself in a piquant situation whether to score himself or pass on the ball to his skipper Harry Kane. Indecisivenes proved costly and opportunity was lost.
It was in the second half that England headed in its second goal, this time through Dele Alli who made full use of a lobbed pas fro Lingard. This goal came in the 59th minute. It was Alli's first World Cup goal and his third international goal.
Sweden, too, had its share of chances. But missed opportunities, including an open goal before Berg, but opportunity was wasted.
How clean was the game can be judged from the fact that the first yellow card came in the 86th minute and it went to Harry Maguire, the scorer of the first goal.