Is football going home, after all?
England comfortably beat Sweden 2-0 on Saturday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years and send their fans into dreamland, chanting ‘football’s coming home!’ in Samara.
Harry Maguire headed England ahead from a corner in the first half in Samara and Dele Alli doubled the lead with just over half an hour to go. It was a performance where it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say England didn’t break a sweat – as professional and clinical as it could be in the last eight of a World Cup.
England had 12 attempts on goal, but only two on target. Ultimately, those two efforts were enough for them to coast through to a relatively comfortable win.
Jordan Pickford was immense in goal and will cherish a first clean sheet of the tournament.
England will play the winner of the Russia v Croatia quarter-final that takes place in Sochi later on Saturday.
Twitter was abuzz with, what else but, a feeling of #ItsComingHome.
Jordan Pickford’s performance came in for special praise.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!