England Women 4-0 Sweden Women: Euro 2022 final place guaranteed as Alessia Russo shines in semi-finals | Football news

Few people can think of it and even few people have tried it. Alessia Russo went and made it. A shot from behind not only went between the defenders but also between the legs of the Swedish goalkeeper.

This is the moment in their one summer. The England women’s team were fine on their way to the Euro 2022 final but the third goal in the 4-0 semi-final second leg win at Bramall Lane is the one everyone will remember. They have a country. Will the trophy follow?

Views are getting higher and higher, like the noise levels inside the stadium on Tuesday night. The imagination has been recorded. Personal inspiration. But this group of England players, this England coach, wants more than all of that. Now they only have one match left.

After three consecutive semi-final defeats, England’s progress to the final was well-deserved after a night of tension that began and ended in a resounding victory. New questions are raised, but Sarina Wiegman’s side still has answers.

Couldn’t be more perfect in the group stage, the victory over Spain in the quarter-finals went into the wind. In terms of situation, it was much easier as Beth Mead opened the scoring late in the first half and Lucy Bronze doubled the advantage early in the second half.

But this is still a test. Sweden is the highest-ranked team in Europe, the team that rejected England’s third place at the 2019 World Cup. That at one point showed. Only 20 seconds was the first chance of the match when Mary Earps saved Sofia Jakobsson.

That comes from an area Sweden is targeting – the channel between Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright. Another perceived weakness is the coordination and Stina Blackstenius almost shows it when hitting the crossbar. That’s all in nine minutes.

But don’t panic. Britain has overcome that anxiety. “We showed that we stay calm, that we stick to the plan and that people keep doing their jobs.” Those were Wiegman’s words after the match against Spain. That mentality is still here.

Bronze had a rough start to the game, testing defensively and controlling the ball a bit loose. Mead was silent. But the pair have the faith and ability to change moods and transform dynamics when they work together to score the opener.

The cross from Bronze was difficult to handle against the Swedish defence, and no easier for Mead to control. The Arsenal winger did so immediately. First touch is perfect. The second time put the ball in the net. Her moment. Her tournament.

The danger at that time was that England would sit back and settle for a one-goal lead but Bronze’s header early in the second half dispelled that notion. What followed, from Russo’s magical moment to Fran Kirby’s goal in her best performance of the tournament, was a celebration long after the final whistle.

The country has a bewildering mentality when it comes to more than half a century of disappointment in major tournaments whether men’s or women’s. These players don’t seem to share them even though they almost miss out. The plan is clear.

Wiegman stuck with it. A lineup that hasn’t changed in all five games, though, or perhaps that should because impact of substitute products. He knows the starters well, but they also know the finishers. Russo, again for Ellen White, brought out the best for her.

It’s Coming Home is a familiar song now after that third goal. Maybe it is. A year after the men appeared in just one European final at Wembley, the women will have their own chance at the same venue on Sunday.

Wiegman said of the win over Spain: “We still believe we can do it. After four goals against Sweden and a stunning heel strike, everyone else in the country now believes her England team will do the trick, too.

Follow Euro 2022 on Sky Sports

Sky Sports News and Sports Sky’ Digital platforms will follow every step of England’s Euro 2022 journey ahead of Sunday’s final.

On the road, the Sky Sports News Mobile Presentation bus will continue to bring you all the best guests and insights from the likes of Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett. their professional details. The bus will depart Sheffield and head to Wembley for the final.

On SkySports.com, the Sky Sports App and on social media, we’ll have all the big moments with our previews, features, reports, analytics, plus Sky Sports Women’s Euros podcast featuring Sky Sports senior football journalist Charlotte Marsh and Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui.

And if you’re new to England, don’t worry – Here is our guide to meeting the Lionesses.

As well as England, Sky Sports News and Digital Sky Sports will also cover all the knockouts as we head towards the final on July 31.