England came out with a 2-0 victory over Sweden, in the quarter final, partly thanks to some great saves by Jordan Pickford at the Samara Arena, Samara.
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The opening 15 minutes were very even with England having slightly more possession, but Sweden constantly counter attacking with long balls, forced the England wing-backs to retreat.
The 19th minute brought England a golden chance when Raheem Sterling instilled panic in the Sweden defense sprinting forward with the ball at his feet. He made it to the edge of the penalty area and laid off the ball to Harry Kane, who dragged a low effort just wide from the edge of the penalty area.
In the 30th minute, the breakthrough finally came, England scored from another corner, with Harry Maguire bagging his first goal for his country. Ashley Young sent the ball in from the corner flag and Maguire rose at the penalty spot to send a powerful header past Robin Olsen and inside the left upright.
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Right at the death of the first half, Sterling was put through one-on-one with Olsen but shot straight at the goalkeeper from close range. He was later flagged for offside.
Almost a minute later he once again had a golden opportunity but was put off by a fingertip touch by Olsen and was unable to recover in time to get a proper shot off.
Half Time – Sweden 0 – 1 England
Soon after half time there was an excellent header from Marcus Berg, who rose high to get on the end of a cross from the left and steer his header towards the bottom corner. It took a very strong hand from Jordan Pickford to keep it out.
In the 59th minute, patient build-up play by England brought its reward. After working the ball around the Swedish penalty area, a lofted cross from Jesse Lingard found its way to the back post, Dele was all alone, timing his run to perfection and headed home to double England’s lead.
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In the 62nd minute, Jordan Pickford saved brilliantly again, getting down to his right to save a low Viktor Claesson drive from about 10 yards. Jordan Henderson was on hand to block the follow-up shot when England looked certain to concede.
Pickford came to England’s rescue yet again when he palmed Berg’s shot over the bar. The Swede should have scored after being teed up by Guidetti’s pass from the left.
Sweden to their credit did not give up despite being 2-0 down and tried to keep on the attack but, Pickford and England’s defense seemed to prove too much, as well as a lack of composure inside the opposition box for the Swedes.
Full Time – Sweden 0 – 2 England
Man of the Match – Jordan Pickford
Goal Scorers
England – Harry Maguire 30’, Dele Alli 59’
Bookings
Yellow Cards
Sweden – John Guidetti 87’, Sebastian Larsson 90+4’
England – Harry Maguire 87’
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