ALEX CROOK PREVIEW: Sweden (W) v England (W)

England’s 4-0 thrashing of Sweden in their Euro 2022 semi-final was one of the standout moments of their run to winning the tournament, writes ALEX CROOK.

Who can forget Alessia Russo’s iconic backheel goal at Bramall Lane as the Lionesses booked their place in the final?

If it was a glory night for England, it was a chastening one for the Swedes, who will be on a revenge mission when the two teams meet again in Zurich in tonight’s quarter-final.

It would be a mistake for the holders to underestimate their familiar foes given Sweden are enjoying a 15-match unbeaten run and come into the game on the back of a statement 4-0 victory of their own over Germany in the group phase.

While the Scandinavians do not have the same individual quality as England, they have a fantastic team ethic and have been one of the best organised sides in the competition to this point.

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Despite the recent drubbing, they have also avoided defeat in four of their last five Euros games with England so the Lionesses will have to be at the top of their game to go through.

England’s trophy defence got off to an auspicious start as they were well-beaten by France on the opening weekend of the tournament, but the last two performances against the Netherlands and Wales have been much more encouraging.

They have scored 10 in their last two games and with Italy awaiting in the semi-finals, having finished second in the group and therefore avoiding meeting favourites Spain, have a great chance of reaching back-to-back finals.

The Lionesses have also tightened up defensively since that defeat to France and I am backing Serena Wiegman to extend her record of having never lost to Sweden in charge of either England or her native Netherlands.

Sweden will be a tough nut to crack defensively having conceded only one goal in their three group games and both matches between these two old rivals in qualifying ended in draws so England to qualify looks the safest bet, but does not represent great value at 8/13 with starsports.bet.

England have greater options off the bench than their opponents and that could be crucial if the game is tied after 90 minutes so I like the look of the Lionesses to win in extra time at 17/2 with starsports.bet.

England’s upturn in fortunes has coincided with Wiegman’s decision to recall Ella Toone to her midfield and she has scored four goals and made three more in just two starts.

Toone clearly has a point to prove after being snubbed for the opening game and her to score at any time at 10/3 with starsports.bet seems a tad over-priced.

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