Sweden secured
top spot in Group F with a comprehensive three-goal victory over Mexico,
benefiting from the shock capitulation of reigning champions Germany. The 1958
finalists dispatched Switzerland in the Last 16 with a closely fought victory
by virtue of a deflected strike from Emil Forsberg, to make the World Cup
quarter-finals for the first time since 1994.
England started
their campaign with assured victories over Tunisia and Panama, before
succumbing to defeat against Belgium after resting several key players. The
1966 champions, captained by Golden Boot leader Harry Kane, conquered the
persistence of Colombia in the Last 16 with his first penalty shoot-out victory
in a major tournament since 1996.
Sweden and England have met on 23 previous occasions,
securing seven wins apiece. Both World Cup meetings in Korea / Japan 2002 and
Germany 2006 ended in draws.
English football
is very popular in the Scandinavian countries, but the Swedes will not be
intimidated when they face a team full of Premier League stars who beat
Colombia on penalties on Tuesday after drawing 1-1.
Emil Forsberg, whose goal meant Sweden's move to the
quarters of a Football World Cup for
the first time since 1994 when he was in third place, says that for his part he
will continue to complicate whoever he faces.
The Swedes have traditionally been a tough opponent for England, who spent 43 years without
winning the Scandinavians from 1968 to 2011. England coach Gareth Southgate said they were underestimated in the
past. After suffocating the Swiss with their defensive style, the Swedes are
unlikely to change their tactics that took them to the top-eight stage, and the
fact that England is a favorite does not bother them.
