The latest instalment of England’s emphatic road to Wembley saw Sweden swept away in Sheffield.
After a frantic start, the hosts finished the evening displaying a dominating attacking performance, the end of which bordered on ridiculous as Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo, and Fran Kirby piled on the quality in front of goal.
New test no problem
In the last round, Spain were arguably the toughest test Sarina Wiegman’s side had faced in her reign, both in the sense of occasion, quality, and style of game. The ante was upped again by Sweden, the highest-rated team in the competition and a force to be reckoned with in their fast-paced attacking nature.
Yet, in reality, they were eventually swatted away by an England side out for blood. Instead of inviting as Spain did in the second half, Sweden presented a new challenge, at first initiating an end-to-end opening half hour. They threatened immediately with acres of space to slice England’s backline open, but once England survived this initial pressure, they adapted the game to play their own way.
The Lionesses’ continued adaptation to overcome whomever they face is a testament to their credentials in this tournament. Perhaps tested more mentally in the quarterfinals, this performance showcased sheer quality to breeze past one of the best sides in Europe.
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Maturity in midfield makes good
Whilst a breathless opening tested England, it was an active decision by England to not give in to the frantic game Sweden wanted.
Their first few attacks were deliberately slowed down, including some promising breaks involving Kirby, some to the confusion of those at Bramall Lane. In hindsight, this awareness to not let the game get out of their control ultimately proved crucial.
Kiera Walsh’s distinctive placidity in midfield allowed a tempo to form, and once England felt in control, Sweden were never really in the game again.
Bronze’s golden moment
Lucy Bronze’s tournament has been a curious case. One of the most successful players in the world and one to have experienced the trio of England’s semi-final heartbreaks, including the 2019 defeat which she has described as the most difficult to deal with.
Yet she has also been questioned for her performances throughout this competition. Her positioning has been caught out as she drifts to attacking positions, she’s been criticised for being casual in possession, and, in comparison to her usual high standards, hasn’t had the effect expected of her.
Even in this game, the space between her and Millie Bright in the first half was some cause for concern. Yet her growth into the game paralleled England’s control over it. Her supporting forward runs are crucial to the attacking structure of the side, and it was in her chasing forward that she was able to find space to find Beth Mead with a pinpoint cross.
Her header early in the second half through a body of white and yellow shirts was a turning point that seemed to stretch Swedish hopes just out of reach. Even when not at her best, she has shown her worth to England.
Russo is again a star without a start
Like clockwork, Alessia Russo entered the frame in the second half. Like clockwork, she found the net. Not just that, she found the net in the most audacious attempt the competition has seen.
Turned away from goal, her backheel rolling past a redundant Magdelena Eriksson and through the legs of Hedvig Lindahl will be replayed and reminisced on as a highlight of the tournament.
Wiegman has started Ellen White religiously this tournament, and will likely do so again on Sunday, but Russo’s introduction will be inevitable.
A sold-out Wembley will make England favourites regardless of who they face
The Lionesses’ success has helped create a tournament enveloped in the country’s mainstream consciousness; players have become genuine stars, Wiegman is close to becoming an iconic comparable to Gareth Southgate’s public image during England men’s previous tournaments.
As in the quarterfinals in Brighton, Sheffield once again displayed an almost delirious sense of optimism and excitement for the team. National pride and the importance to invoke it has been discussed off the field by many of the England players and the sense of occasion and opportunity will not be lost on them on Sunday.
In 2017, when the Netherlands knocked them out at this stage during their home tournament, the sea of orange and home comforts played its part. The roles reversed in England’s favour, and it is no surprise that, along with their scintillating on-pitch performances, they will walk out favourites in the final.
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