England gave me a scare on Tuesday night after conceding a late goal against Colombia to send their second round fixture into extra time. I was glad the 3 Lions of England came out victorious in the penalty shoot out ending their 22 year jinx of losing out in major tournaments via penalty shoot out. Ironically England’s manager Gareth Southgate was the player who started the penalty jinx when his penalty loss in the game against Germany in Euro 1996 cost England a chance to play in the final of that tournament. The Colombia game was not a cracker of a game but I was glad the 3 Lions overcame.
This current stage of the Russia 2018 World Cup (quarter finals), is where I predicted England would be eliminated but after the 2nd round tie with Colombia I believed the stars had aligned in their favour and a win over Sweden in today’s game was very possible. Possible it was with a solid display, the English side outclassed the Swedes.
I don’t even know how to go about the crux of this game,and surely it is the excitement that my 3 Lions made it through to the semi-final. Sweden approached the game in their usual defensive set-up soaking in the pressure and expecting to catch England on the break. The English side dominated play and were rewarded with a goal in the 30th minute through Harry Maguire who nodded home from Ashley Young’s corner. The goal ensured the Swedes had to come out to play, but they barely caused the English lads any problems. Half time ended 1-0.
It wasn’t looking like Sweden was going to be amongst the goals on the day as the 3 Lions picked up from where they left off in the first half. A second goal for England was a given and it came in the 59th minute when Dele Alli latched on to a Jesse Lingard cross that had evaded the 6 feet 4 inches tall Robin Olsen in goal for Sweden. 2-0 and I knew there was no coming back for Sweden.
2-0 the game ended, as England make it to the semi-final of a senior male tournament for the first time in 28 years.
“2 World Wars and 1 World Cup England, England. 2 World Wars and 1 World Cup England all the way.”
Thanks for your time guys and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Feature Image: The Australian
