England Women’s 4 – 0 Sweden Women’s
A shining moment from Alessia Russo helped England reach the Euro 2022 final, beating Sweden 4-0 in front of a record crowd at Bramall Lane.
The Manchester United forward was a regular off the bench for the Lionesses, but continued to put pressure on Sarina Wiegman’s side as she scored with a daring heel strike (68), sending the ball away. past goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl in the near corner.
It saw England take a 3-0 lead, having taken a first-half advantage that saw them largely tested by Sweden. But Beth Mead (34) finally broke the deadlock, taking a pass from Lucy Bronze before finishing in the second leg to score a sixth goal at Euro 2022. She is now two goals apart in the race. golden shoes, ahead of Alexandra Popp and Russo of Germany.
Bronze scored another goal early in her second half as Sweden failed to take the corner. The right-back nodded home with a free header, but the celebration was abruptly halted by VAR checking for offside. However, after checking lenghthy, the targets remain.
After being unable to cope with Russo’s heel strike, Lindahl’s evening took a turn for the worse as Fran Kirby scored England’s fourth. She spots the keeper out of her line and takes a lob. Lindahl managed to get the ball, but not enough as it circled over her head and rolled into the back of the net.
Despite a tense opening half hour, the Lionesses’ qualities shined once again in front of a crowd of 28,624 – a women’s Euro semi-final attendance record. They will now face Germany or France in Sunday’s final at Wembley.
How England reached the first Euro final since 2009
With just 20 seconds to play at Bramall Lane, Mary Earps was called on as Sweden let their opponents know what was coming for most of the first half. Sofia Jackobsson bounced off the left flank making it impossible for the keeper to beat, but Earps put his foot out to help the ball go wide.
The two teams exchanged blows early on – Mead took a corner kick wide of the post before her Arsenal teammate Stina Blackstenius headed the crossbar.
Sweden continued to probe in a chess-like game, before Mead made the move to score her sixth goal at Euro 2022. It helped England get the shot in the right position and narrowly scored the third. two before the first half ended. The best opportunities came when Georgia Stanway made a cross search for Ellen White, but the striker was unable to approach in time.
Sweden had hoped to beat right after the break, but instead they quickly took a 2-0 lead after Bronze’s free header.
He could also score a third an hour before when Russo made an immediate impact from the bench – as now seems to have become the norm. She went down the right, picking Lauren Hemp coming in at the back post, but the winger hit the ball under her goal.
But the match was supposed to hinge on two minutes of the second half. Earps made a world-class save to send Blackstenius’ chip over the bar from close range in the 66th minute, before hitting Russo’s sensational heel on the other end shortly after.
It’s all been England since then, as Kirby once again capitalized on some questionable goalkeepers from Lindahl. Russo could have added her England’s second and fifth later, but she couldn’t reach Hemp’s cross in time.
But that was not needed as England advanced to the final against Sweden, ranked second in the world, setting up a historic match at Wembley.
Wiegman: A History of Formation
England coach Sarina Wiegman: “Yesterday you asked if we were ready to write history. This is history.
“We said before the tournament and throughout that we wanted to inspire the whole nation, I think that’s what we’re doing and making a difference. The whole country is proud of us, and even more girls and boys will want to play ball.
“We believe in this team, our players are calm and stick with the plan. We talked about scenarios and sometimes things go well and sometimes things don’t. We I can count on each other and our mission and then return to the team.”
Gerhardsson: The essence of failure is hard to see
Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson: “I can’t give analysis, but I can give emotion. It’s naturally difficult. In the first 25 minutes, I thought we had a chance, although England too. We were. there are more dangerous chances to score first.The game has a different outlook.
“Being 2-0 down from a set at the start of the second half against a tough opponent like England would be very difficult. Then going 3-0 and 4-0 wasn’t easier at all.
“We played a really talented team and when you face that kind of opponent you need to take your chances. We match them physically but there are many reasons why things work out. like that in the second half.”
Analysis: Russo’s Miracle Moment Makes Britain Believe
Sky Sports’ Adam Bate:
“Few would have thought of it and even less had tried it. Alessia Russo went and did it. A skillful heel strike from far into goal went not only between the defenders but also between his legs. 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?
“Viewing figures are getting higher and higher and higher, like the noise levels inside the stadium on Tuesday night. Imagination is captured. Individuals are inspired. But the group of England players, This England coach, wants more than anything, they only have one game left.
“The country has a fear mentality when it comes to more than half a century of disappointment in major tournaments whether men’s or women’s.
“Wiegman has stuck with it. A lineup that hasn’t changed in all five games, though, or perhaps it should be. because impact of substitute products. He knows the starters well, but they also know the finishers. Russo, for Ellen White again, brought out the best for her. “
Analysis: This is Britain’s moment – enjoy it
Sky Sports ‘Charlotte Marsh at Bramall Lane:
“As many predicted ahead of the tournament, England have reached the final of Euro 2022. In theory, Sweden is their toughest challenge to date, placing second in the world and also winning several medals. silver chapter.
“Although Sweden weren’t in their best form throughout the tournament, they somehow made it to the final four. But in the end their numbers went ahead of an England team, who all made it to the final round. have largely ignored anyone in their path.
“To score four is good. To score four goals against a team like Sweden is unbelievable. To score four goals in a semi-final is almost unprecedented.
“Under Wiegman, England have learned to be ruthless at both ends of the pitch – the Lions have still conceded just one goal in five Euros.
“They’ve also changed their whole mentality. Falling behind in a match, although it doesn’t happen very often under the Dutchman, is no longer the confidence-beater like before. Wiegman has harnessed the talent on her team to become consecutive winners – as she has done throughout her career.
“There is more and more of the feeling that this is the moment when England win their first major title. They have the place, the manager and the players to do it. Let’s enjoy the incredible journey. It’s going to be a great final at Wembley on Sunday.”
From Twitter to Trafalgar Square – reaction to England win
What’s next?
England will face Germany or France in Sunday’s final at Wembley. Starts at 5pm.
Knock-out stage…
Quarterfinals
Wednesday, July 20
Quarterfinals 1: England 2-1 Spain (AET)
Thursday, July 21
Quarterfinals 2: Germany 2-0 Austria
Friday, July 22
Quarterfinals 3: Sweden 1-0 Belgium
Saturday, July 23
Quarterfinals 4: France 1-0 Netherlands (AET)
Semifinal
Tuesday, July 26
Semi-final 1: England 4-0 Sweden
Wednesday, July 27
Semi-final 2: Germany vs France – kick off at 8pm, MK . Stadium
Final
Sunday July 31
England vs Germany or France – starts at 5pm, Wembley
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 go 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.