England March On to World Cup Semi-Final

Last updated : 07 July 2018 By Three Lions

Gareth Southgate and his side are one game away from the World Cup Final.

England produced an assured display in Samara on Saturday afternoon to defeat Sweden 2-0 thanks to headed goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli.

It was as if a huge weight had been lifted off England shoulders by Tuesday’s dramatic shootout victory against Colombia as they progressed serenely through to a first World Cup semi-final spot since 1990.

Another excellent set-piece saw Maguire power home a header after half-an-hour and the Three Lions, particularly in the shape of Raheem Sterling, should have added to their lead before half-time.

Sweden started brightly after the break and drew Jordan Pickford into a superb save but England soon regained the initiative and a sustained spell of pressure ended with Alli guiding in a cross from Jesse Lingard.

That started the party, in the Samara stands and back home on a sunny Saturday in England, and although Pickford was again called upon to make a stunning stop there were scenes of jubilation among Southgate and his players on the pitch at the end.

The manager and his players deserve every credit now being directed their way as they await the identity of their opponents in Wednesday’s semi-final and although the side remains a work in progress in many ways they are visibly growing in confidence as the tournament progresses.

A nation will come to a halt for a team that has, against the odds, changed the perception of the national team and modern-day footballers with their achievements in Russia.