Gareth Southgate’s team has taken the Three Lions to its first semi-final in a generation.
In truth, it was rarely in doubt – especially after the first goal from Harry Maguire, a bullet header from a corner that left Sweden with a lot to do.
The Swedes had been tough, organised, compact – but offered little going forward. And England played well – and brilliantly at times. The first 30 minutes were sluggish, slow, nervy – and both sides looked like they were weighed down by the occasion.
There were poor passes from England, and the overall pace of the game was too slow, much too slow in fact – which suited the obdurate Swedes perfectly.
They had clearly come to frustrate, defend, absorb, and play for set pieces and chances on the break.