England defeated Sweden 2-0 in Samara overnight to qualify for the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face either Croatia or Russia.
England defender Harry Maguire scored the opener in the 30th minute, with a powerful header from an Ashley Young corner.
GOOOOOAAAAALLLL! 1-0 to England! Maguire heads home! England strikes from a set-piece again! #WorldCup #SWEENG pic.twitter.com/akqrAaTshc
— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 7, 2018
Midfielder Dele Alli doubled his side’s lead in the 59th minute following an excellent cross by Kieran Trippier.
At two goals down, Sweden needed something special to get back in the match. But goalkeeper Jordan Pickford pulled off three massive saves to ensure a relatively comfortable win for Gareth Southgate's men.
GOOOOAAAALLL! Dele Alli heads home Lingard's cross! 2-0 #WorldCup #SWEENG pic.twitter.com/CqNjU4CYww
— SBS - The World Game (@TheWorldGame) July 7, 2018
It was the first time the Three Lions have kept a clean sheet in this tournament.
England, who claimed their only World Cup crown in 1966, now march on Moscow for the semi-final on Thursday (4am AEST).
Five big talking points from Samara
Pic special: Swede success for England
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the final set to be played at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium.
Related Articles
World Cup favourites England have one gaping question left to answer
Rampant England reach Women's Euros final
