FIFA Rankings
England 6, Sweden 17
Don’t Look Now England Fans
Although England defeated Sweden last November to record their first victory since 1968, there were 12 games in-between where we failed to beat the Scandinavian outfit. Draws most recently in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups in Japan and Germany frustrated England, whilst many will remember the infamous Turnip-head-creating defeat back in 1992 when Thomas Brolin secured a 2-1 win for the Swedes. Will the tide turn?
Last Time Out
England’s hard fought draw against the French has laid down the foundations to progress from Group D although a win against Sweden is very much needed. Against France, England’s approach was slow-paced where the emphasis was on quick counter-attacking football and although there were spurts of promising play, there was not a huge amount of clear cut chances. Much of England’s hopes rested on the shoulders of Ashley Young who had a disappointing game and the first touches of too many players were Jason Euell-like. This needs to change if we are to succeed against the Swedes.
Sweden’s defeat to Ukraine was not entirely surprising, although their tactics were. There was very little passing football with a direct approach favoured over getting down the wings. It changed slightly when Wilhelmsson was introduced as he seemed to be the only player to pick up to ball and dribble and the threat of the deeper lying, enigmatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic was clear throughout the game. A couple of late chances failed to be converted by Elmander and Mellberg leaving Friday’s game a must-win for Sweden.
Predictions
Expect a different paced game to Monday’s. Many of the Swedish players have Premier League experience and it more likely we will see a more frantic style of game, especially as both teams need a result. England will hope that the lack of a holding player in Sweden will allow a bit more space for some creativity and this will tell eventually. England 2, Sweden 0.
Ones to Watch
England: Ashley Young: his pace and movement will be crucial in opening the Swedish door.
Sweden: Seb Larsson: set-piece specialist, Premier League player, point to prove.
Odds
England – 11/10
Sweden – 11/4
Draw – 21/10
0
Comments
Expectations back up..we've played the hardest team in the group..blah blah.
1-1. we'll score early again. group still wide open after France beat Ukraine.
However, I predict a 1-1.
Gerrard will play further forward, so expect him to get chances. Its just whether Roy wants us to sit after going 1-0 up…I hope not if we score early as we cannot do it. Even Sven couldn’t get us to do it!
I think it will be tight but im going for an England victory. 1-0 with wasted chances to make it comfortable.
I realise we are in a double dip recession with a hosepipe ban imposed in a flood and little else to cheer except the longevity of an octogenarian aristocrat but this behavior is just over the top.
There is no room for this type of hate comment on CL and my lawyers will be in touch in the morning
CC Allcock, Swindle and Boolloks Solicitors
PS. Another 1-1 draw followed by nail biting, arse-clenching final game v Ukraine which we will need to win but can only manage a draw after Shevchenko staggers from his wheelchair to score an flukey equaliser in the 97th minute. Tears, heartbreak and general gloom all-round plus disbelief that referee , Boris Nokabollokoff, disallows a clear England goal shortly after half time before jetting off to his new luxury condo in Mexico...
EURO 2012: SWEDEN V ENGLAND
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Kiev Date: Friday, 15 June Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: BBC One, BBC Radio 5 live, highlights on BBC One and BBC Sport website
England are too "predictable" and "stereotyped" to beat Sweden on Friday, according to their opponents' former skipper Jonas Thern.
England drew 1-1 with France in their opening game while Sweden were beaten 2-1 by Ukraine, but Thern believes the Scandinavians are the better team.
"The one shot towards the France goal over 90 minutes was all it took to ignite the chronic English illusion of world football supremacy," he said.
"Their style of play is predictable."
Thern, who won 75 caps for his country and helped them to finish third at the 1994 World Cup, believes England are not good enough - despite being impressed with their appointment of Roy Hodgson as manager.
England have never beaten Sweden in seven tournament clashes, and Thern is backing his countrymen to extend that impressive record.
"I said before the Euro finals started that Sweden would beat England and I stand by that statement despite the horrific display against the Ukraine," said the former Benfica, Napoli, Roma and Rangers midfielder.
"England's performance [against France] had none of the quality they like to boast it had.
"France had 15 shots on goal compared to England's one.
"England has historically struggled against Sweden as they cannot capitalise on our strength, which is the physical game.
"Sweden does not fear this style of football in ways that other teams do.
"The only thing that could have been better for the Swedish team would have been if the manager position had been handed to somebody other than Roy as he is a very competent manager with substantial international experience."
Sweden have problems of their own, however, with coach Erik Hamren being forced to deny he called his players 'cowards' following their defeat to Ukraine.
"I did not call my players cowards," he said. "[But] we were playing a little cautious, we didn't show the aggression I wanted to see.
"I think some of the players were nervous in the first half, but we played a good game in the second half."
Sweden conceded two headed goals against Ukraine and, with England's strength being in the air, their defensive capabilities are expected to be severely tested.
However, Blackburn Rovers left-back Martin Olsson is not worried by his side's perceived weakness.
"When you look at the players the team England have, with [Joleon] Lescott and [John] Terry, they have strong players in the air - but so have we," he said.
"The last couple of games, we have lost our concentration at set-pieces but we have been working on that and we have to deal with that in the right way against England.
"I don't see it as a problem."
I also think that his comments are rather harsh. I don't think any of us dour Brits lost our heads in the "illusion of world football supremacy," I certainly didn't and I haven't seen many people on here who did either.
Trouble is our newspapers that
write crap and pull embarrassing stunts for their idiotic readershiprepresent the nation, give the impression to the outside world that most of us do.This is what I was getting at in my thread about the flag. It gives the impression that we are all idiotic.
Also according to the BBC Carroll is set to start with Welbeck: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18181790
Or even add Walcott into that for his pace and and have the Ox just behind Welbeck in a 4-2-3-1
Got no time for Rooney until any of these players start playing poorly. No1 owns a spot in the team.
A Penalty to be taken ( 3-1 Betfair)
Gerrard to be shown a card ( 3-1 Betfair)