Sweden vs England: The Three Lions must not underestimate the Swedes
The afterglow of England’s maiden World Cup penalty shoot-out triumph has settled, and a resilient Sweden represent the next challenge for the budding Three Lions.
History has already been made. England are in the quarter finals for the first time since 2006, and anticipations are at sky level as the chance to advance to the last four, an achievement last enjoyed 28 years ago, is on the horizon.
When Eric Dier struck past David Ospina, years of anguish and disappointment evaporated. The harsh facts that England’s display was mediocre, they sorely lacked potency in open play and should have dispatched of a petulant Colombia earlier mattered little. Those realities have now come into sharp focus.
In Sweden are a nation with unity, stubbornness and a distinct motivation to defy the odds. Already the Swedes have blemished the Italians’ rich footballing tapestry and stripped Germany of champion status by topping an evenly matched Group F.
Janne Andersson’s men will sniff any hint of English complacency, and aim to emerge as the dark horses on the wide-open, unpredictable side of this World Cup draw.
English concentration is key
England manager Gareth Southgate, whose chief priority amid this fresh, reinvigorated feeling, has been limiting fans’ wild expectations.
That is a tall order, admittedly, as a new generation of English supporters aspire to taste a success those before them have been less than used to.
There is no getting away from the fact England go into the quarter final clash as favourites. Coping with that label has been straightforward for the Three Lions so far.
Wins over Tunisia and Panama, the former with more ease than the scoreline suggests, calmed worries of yet more major tournament despondency.
Now in territory last explored twelve years ago, England need to remain focused. Allowing expectation to seep into their displays will also see complacency leak, which is where the Three Lions can fall.
Improvements need to be made from the Colombia game, without a doubt, and England cannot merely anticipate to coast through via the emotional wave the round of 16 victory created.
Against Sweden they will need far more than that. Andersson’s side have proven that time and time again in this tournament. Their recent victory over promising Switzerland, is the latest indication of their capability.
If England are unwaveringly determined, and avoid World Cup smugness after one knockout win, the semi-finals are a real possibility.
Sweden shouldn’t be undervalued
Underestimating Sweden is a flaw that goes hand in hand with complacency.
England should be confident in their own ability, however not so much that they forget why Sweden have paved their way to the quarter finals.
It has by no means been a simple ride for Sweden. If anything, they have already faced tougher tests than the Three Lions, making them better equipped for Saturday’s showdown.
Overcoming a vibrant Mexico, taking world champions Germany to the wire and taming fiery South Korea have all been respectable feats. Sweden are irrefutably deserving of their place here.
Though the clash with Switzerland left much to be desired on an entertainment level, the Swedes were dogged and efficient.
Southgate must drum into the England players the fact Sweden are here for a reason. The most optimistic of fans have viewed this game as a bye to the semi-finals, and they could be brutally put in their place.
This is England’s best chance of reaching the World Cup semis since 1990, but it isn’t a simple opportunity. Real work needs to be done.
Next: Three things we learned from England's win over Colombia
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