England beat Sweden to reach Euro final

Thrilling night - if you're English

Hosts England demolished Sweden 4-0 in the semi-finals of the Womens Euros, cruising into their place in the final at Wembley on Sunday. They will play either France or Germany, depending on the result in the other semi-final on Wednesday. 

Four goals from Mead, Bronze, Russo and Kirby drove the Lionesses to victory against the second ranked team in the world, but the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story. 

Sweden were largely on top in the early stages, exercising their arial power by hitting the crossbar from a corner just before the 10-minute mark, as well as chances for Blackstenius and Rolfo, many gifted to them by England defenders.  

Compared to England's scuffed half-chances, Sweden looked the better side. 

England defended well, however, and were rewarded with a thunderous strike from Beth Mead, after Ellen White failed to get to a cross from the right-hand side. It was sent back in by Lucy Bronze, calmly collected and finished off on the half-volley past the keeper. 1-0 to England. 

Wiegman’s side gained a major boost of confidence after going ahead. Mead and Hemp had numerous runs each, Kirby tried her luck with a 30-yard shot and the whole team was playing the ball around with ease. A relaxed, assertive team headed in at half-time. 

Two minutes into the second half, the provider became the goal scorer, and the goal scorer became the provider.  

Beth Mead’s deep-swung corner fell perfectly on Lucy Bronze’s head, and she guided the ball into the bottom corner. After a quick VAR check to make sure there was no offside interference, Sweden kicked off behind by two goals. 

The introduction of Alessia Russo in the 56th minute created further problems for Sweden. Seconds into her introduction, she charged past three players, and put it on a plate for Lauren Hemp, who somehow hit the bar from yards out.  

The Swedish were underwhelming in the latter stages, becoming increasingly wasteful with their chances in the air. Only one shot troubled Mary Earps in goal, which came off the knee of a Swedish forward. She watched the looping shot go over her head and displayed all her athletic prowess to tip it over the bar. Impressive for someone who only stands at 5’5’’. 

Alessia Russo’s fourth goal of the tournament came in style. Kiera Walsh dragged two players away with a drop-the-shoulder turn, played in through to Fran Kirby, who cut it back to the supersub. She needed two bites of the cherry, missing the easy shot from five yards out. The ball bounced back to her, and with her back to goal and two defenders around her, decided to try a backheel. It couldn’t have been more perfect. A double-nutmeg and a ball nestled in the back of the net. The look of shock on Russo’s face was clear and echoed around the stadium. 3-0 to the Lionesses 

The spectacular did not end there. Fran Kirby, minutes after, chips the keeper from a one-on-one situation. She got fingertips on it, but not enough to stop it going in. Lindahl will be devastated that she didn’t stop it, but Kirby doesn’t care. Her second of the Euros puts England up by four. 
England still have not lost under Sarina Wiegman, and they surely must be confident for the final on Sunday.