Sweden Vs England – World Cup Match Review

Samara would be the venue when England play Sweden this weekend as they make a bid to reach the semi final. Either of these teams would have to make an exit from the tournament, although England comes into this game as clear favorites.

This Swedish side are not to be underestimated unlike what the bookies suggest because they have been impressive so far.

SWEDEN

After being paired with France and the Netherlands during the group stages, qualifying for the world cup finals seemed like a mission impossible. They did defeat the Dutch to second place and finally topped a world cup group that included Germany. So it’s by no means a mistake to see them at this stage of the competition. And of the few teams left in the tournament, only a selected few can match the Swedes in ethic and discipline.

Switzerland got sent home in the round of 16 after Sweden proved too hot to handle and later on that evening, England did defeat Colombia on penalty shoot outs. The England manager would at least ensure his squad are still level headed going into this game. If all plays out in their favor they just might fancy their chances of reaching the final.

They would definitely prove to be a much tougher test for the English as well as another worry for the fans. Playing an old fashioned 4-4-2 with everyone doing his part, the swedes haven’t failed to find the net in their last four encounters.
And much to the dismay of their English counterparts are also good with the set pieces, this could be a real worry. And Sweden could fancy their chances of scoring against a team that is yet to keep a clean sheet in Russia.

England

On the flip side, Sweden seem more of an organized bunch in defense. England’s mobility with the aid of ALI, Sterling and Lingaard can’t be over emphasized. Having a potential golden boot winner in Harry Kane with six goals from three games, they just could go all the way. And backing the Tottenham man to score anytime would be a worthy punt.

At the back, Jordan Pickford and Harry Maguire did have an impressive game against Colombia. There is uncertainty at the back with England’s inability to keep a clean sheet. Kyle Walker and John Stones haven’t exactly been exceptional so far and facing a Swedish side that plays directly with two strikers up front, this could be nervy moments. The Swedes are quite good on aerial balls and England have conceded 3 of their last four goals from crosses.
All things been equal both teams should be able to find the back of the net in this one

HEAD TO HEAD

In recent years England has gotten the better of the Swedes (2 out of 3), after managing to break a jinx of almost 43 years. And 5 of the last 7 matches has seen both teams score.

Predicted lineup

Sweden

Olsen, Krafth, Lindelof,
Granqvist, Augustinsson, Claesson, Larsson, Ekdal,
Forsberg, Toivonen, Berg

England

Pickford, Walker,
Stones, Maguire, Young, Lingard, Henderson, Alli,
Trippier, Sterling, Jane

PICK

Both teams to score 1.95