England’s women banished the heartbreak of their two recent major semifinal defeats by beating Sweden 4-0 to reach the final of Euro 2022.
It didn’t all go host England’s way, however, as Sarina Wiegman’s side had to weather some serious first-half pressure from a world-class Sweden side. But Beth Mead’s smart turn and finish after the half-hour mark settled England’s obvious nerves and from then on there only looked like being one winner.
Lucy Bronze’s header from a corner early in the second half and then a stunning back-heeled goal from substitute Alessia Russo sent the fans inside Bramall Lane into a rapture, before Fran Kirby’s lob added gloss to an already remarkable scoreline.
Sweden, after all, is currently ranked second in the world, with England only previously recording three wins over Sweden in its entire history. In what has already been a record-breaking tournament for attendances and viewing figures, the July 26 game set a new record attendance for a Euros semifinal.
After defeats in the semifinals at the 2019 World Cup, and Euro 2017, England will now play in the final against either Germany or France at Wembley Stadium on July 31.
The nerves that were evident for much of the quarterfinal against Spain were again on display in the early stages against Sweden.
England goalkeeper Mary Earps was called into action inside the opening minute, blocking Sofia Jakobsson’s effort after Georgia Stanway had been caught in possession in midfield.
Another smart save from Earps once again kept the scores level just minutes later, this time palming Stina Blackstenius’ bobbled effort around the post.
With England looking to dominate possession, Sweden was posing a real threat on the counter. The attacking trio of Blackstenius, Kosovare Asllani, and Fridolina Rolfo in particular were giving England’s defenders nightmares, pulling them this way and that with their interchanging runs.
Sweden did have a wonderful chance to half the deficit, but Earps’ full-stretch fingertip save denied Blackstenius a goal.
