2018 FIFA World Cup: England’s Golden Generation Hopes to Shine Against Sweden
- England attempts to make it past the quarter finals for the first time since World Cup 1990
- Sweden continue to beat classier opponents with their tactical game planning
- Kick off is Saturday July 7, 10:00 a.m. EST kickoff from Samara Arena
England and Sweden meet in a quarter final match that could change the cultural of football in each nation for generations.
The English
England hasn’t moved to the semi finals since World Cup 1990. In their previous match against Columbia, England showed the resiliency to ignore Columbia’s aggressive tactics, and a late goal in extra time to finally win on penalties in the World Cup.
England supporters believe the new and improved roster of young talented players chosen by Gareth Southgate is the recipe for success. Retired English player Rio Ferdinand has called this roster the “Golden Generation”.
Harry Maguire and John Stones are arguably playing as the two best central backs in the tournament. Captain Harry Kane is leading the tournament in goals and has potted every penalty attempt. Raheem Sterling has put defensive lines on the back foot with his pace and attack.
Dele Alli may be the lone change to the lineup. He appeared to aggravate his groin injury against Columbia. If Alli can’t go, expect super substitute Marcus Rashford to take his place. When Rashford has been on the pitch, he has shown the ability to attack any defense. Rashford also confidently scored his penalty kick, not looking like his ripe age of 20.
The Swedes
Sweden’s only blemish thus far in the tournament is a tightly fought 2-1 loss to a desperate German team. Every other game Sweden has yet to allow a goal, blanking South Korea, Mexico, and Switzerland.
Sweden’s Janne Andersson has completely altered the team philosophy. Boasting a roster without any house hold names, he has Sweden playing a hard working, disciplined, defensive team. As Andersson told reports after beating Switzerland, “Football is a team sport and this team really personifies that approach. We share. We work for each other on and off the pitch.”
Sweden’s brand of football may be dull to watch, but you have to admire what they have done with the talent the players at their disposal. Emil Forsberg will bare the brunt of any offensive move from Sweden. The quiet, diminutive midfielder scored Sweden’s only goal against Switzerland.
“Football is a team sport and this team really personifies that approach. We share. We work for each other on and off the pitch.” – Janne Andersson
Expect Captain Andreas Granqvist to mark Harry Kane throughout the match. Granqvist plays a tough, aggressive, admirable style of soccer, and has shut down elite strikers throughout the tournament.
The only change to the lineup will be right back Mikael Lustig, who will be serving a one game ban. Sebastian Larsson will be back from his one game ban, expect him back in the lineup.
World Cup Stats
| 3-0-1 | Record | 3-0-1 |
| 6 | Goals Scored | 9 |
| 2 | Goals Allowed | 4 |
| 4 | Goal Differential | 5 |
| 48/18 | Total Shots/Shots on Target | 58/17 |
| 38% | Possession % | 54% |
| 15 | Corners | 24 |
Sweden vs England Opening Odds
| MONEYLINE | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sweden +370 | +1/2(even) | 2(-105)o |
| England -115 | -1/2(-115) | 2(-115)u |
Betting Advice and Outcome
Pick: England -115
Look for England to quickly attack Sweden from kickoff. If Sweden can keep England at bay for the first twenty minutes, this match may drag into extra time. However, Sweden’s two game shutout will come to an end with who else but Harry Kane potting the only goal.
England 1 – Sweden 0
From hockey to football, to basketball, baseball, soccer, and rugby, Cory is on top of it all. He grew up playing sports, has worked around them ever since (including as a talent scout), and is one of SBD's most experienced bettors.
