Alessia Russo's stunning backheel aim helped England to a splendid 4-zero win over Sweden at Euro 2022, finishing their watch for a semi-very last achievement. The Lionesses weathered a sturdy begin from Sweden that noticed Stina Blackstenius rattle the crossbar and they took the lead whilst Beth Mead drilled home within the 34th minute.
Lucy Bronze doubled England's lead 3 minutes after the restart and a moment of magic from alternative Russo positioned England out of attain inside the 68th minute. Fran Kirby audaciously chipped Hedvig Lindahl with 14 minutes last, as England ended a run of three directly semi-final defeats at predominant tournaments and booked their place in Sunday's showpiece at Wembley.
England needed Mary Earps to keep Sofia Jakobsson at bay after simply 20 seconds, with Sweden's brilliant start seeing Blackstenius hit the bar with a header from a nook within the 9th minute. The sport quickly settled down but England managed ownership and they have been rewarded while Mead managed Bronze's cross expertly and fired a satisfactory end past Lindahl.
Bronze positioned a header from Mead's shipping into the bottom-left nook because the Lionesses made an outstanding start to the second one 1/2, with the bar preventing Lauren Hemp from making it three earlier than the hour mark. Earps did brilliantly to hold Blackstenius at bay as Sweden searched for a way again into the sport however Russo backheeled a shot through Lindahl's legs to sap Sweden's solve.
Kirby finished the scoring whilst she spotted former Chelsea crew-mate Lindahl off her line to spherical off a powerful win for the Lionesses at Bramall Lane.
England are actually unbeaten in 19 fits in view that Sarina Wiegman took charge, with each in their beyond 11 being victories – a country wide report. The Lionesses are actually into their first fundamental tournament very last seeing that 2009, with Germany or France standing among them and a primary taste of silverware.
Sweden, whose 34-recreation unbeaten run subsequently came to an give up, have now misplaced 4 of their past 5 semi-finals on the Euros.
Mead has located the back of the internet six instances at Euro 2022, making her England's maximum prolific player in a unmarried version of the competition. One extra purpose could set a brand new European Championship document, with Inka Grings having also hit six for Germany in 2009.
Sweden went near thru Fridolina Rolfo and Blackstenius simply earlier than Lindahl was caught out with the aid of Russo's impudent flick. It changed into a extensive blow for Sweden, and the keeper's failure to maintain out Kirby ensured there was no manner lower back.
