Hosts England waltzed past Sweden into the Women`s Euro 2022 final with Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all on target in a sensational 4-0 win in front of a frenzied sell-out crowd at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.

The Lionesses made a nervy start but once Mead produced a moment of brilliance to fire them ahead in the 34th minute it was one-way traffic for Sarina Wiegman`s side who became the first England women`s team to reach a major final since 2009.

England have now won 11 consecutive matches and will face either Germany or France, who meet on Wednesday, in a Wembley showdown on Sunday as they bid to win their first major trophy. Sweden, the second-ranked team in the world, had three big chances to take the lead early on and were denied by the woodwork and they paid a heavy price.

Mead produced a great turn on the edge of the area to power a shot beyond goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl to give England a halftime lead that was barely deserved. But they turned on the style in the second half to crank up a party atmosphere inside the stadium.

Bronze headed England`s second in the 48th minute from a corner and Lauren Hemp somehow failed to make it 3-0 when she fired against the crossbar from substitute Russo`s low cross.

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Russo then produced an outstanding piece of improvisation to take the game away from Sweden, sending a cheeky back heel through the legs of goalkeeper Lindahl.

Kirby then put the icing on the cake with a flighted effort that Lindahl could only help into the back of the net. After that it was exhibition stuff for a rampant England side who will now take some stopping in Sunday`s final, especially with Mead in such scintillating form.

The Arsenal forward is the leading scorer at the tournament with six goals and two assists in five games so far. 
"I think at the full time whistle we didn`t really know what to do," Mead said as the adopted British sporting anthem "Sweet Caroline" echoed around the Yorkshire arena.

"It was an unbelievable atmosphere and we are excited to be in the final. The goal came at a good time because there was pressure on us and they had a few chances."

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It was a chastening evening for Sweden who had looked the more likely side early on. There was less than a minute on the clock when Sofia Jakobsson got in behind England`s defence and forced a fine save from Mary Earps who denied Jakobsson again soon after.

Stina Blackstenius also headed against the bar but Sweden`s night was soon to disintegrate as England rode the wave of euphoria that has built throughout the tournament.

Hosts England waltzed past Sweden into the Women`s Euro 2022 final with Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all on target in a sensational 4-0 win in front of a frenzied sell-out crowd at Bramall Lane on Tuesday.

Hosts England waltzed past Sweden into the Women`s Euro 2022 final with Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all on target in a sensational 4-0 win in front of a frenzied sell-out crowd at Bramall Lane on Tuesday. The Lionesses made a nervy start but once Mead produced a moment of brilliance to fire them ahead in the 34th minute it was one-way traffic for Sarina Wiegman`s side who became the first England women`s team to reach a major final since 2009. England have now won 11 consecutive matches and will face either Germany or France, who meet on Wednesday, in a Wembley showdown on Sunday as they bid to win their first major trophy. Sweden, the second-ranked team in the world, had three big chances to take the lead early on and were denied by the woodwork and they paid a heavy price. Mead produced a great turn on the edge of the area to power a shot beyond goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl to give England a halftime lead that was barely deserved. But they turned on the style in the second half to crank up a party atmosphere inside the stadium. Bronze headed England`s second in the 48th minute from a corner and Lauren Hemp somehow failed to make it 3-0 when she fired against the crossbar from substitute Russo`s low cross. Also Read: Record viewing figures for Women’s Euro 2022 tournament, reveals UEFA Russo then produced an outstanding piece of improvisation to take the game away from Sweden, sending a cheeky back heel through the legs of goalkeeper Lindahl. Kirby then put the icing on the cake with a flighted effort that Lindahl could only help into the back of the net. After that it was exhibition stuff for a rampant England side who will now take some stopping in Sunday`s final, especially with Mead in such scintillating form. The Arsenal forward is the leading scorer at the tournament with six goals and two assists in five games so far. "I think at the full time whistle we didn`t really know what to do," Mead said as the adopted British sporting anthem "Sweet Caroline" echoed around the Yorkshire arena. "It was an unbelievable atmosphere and we are excited to be in the final. The goal came at a good time because there was pressure on us and they had a few chances." Also Read: Was Alex Ferguson part of Ronaldo's meeting with Ten Hag over his Man UTD future? Here's the truth It was a chastening evening for Sweden who had looked the more likely side early on. There was less than a minute on the clock when Sofia Jakobsson got in behind England`s defence and forced a fine save from Mary Earps who denied Jakobsson again soon after. Stina Blackstenius also headed against the bar but Sweden`s night was soon to disintegrate as England rode the wave of euphoria that has built throughout the tournament.

Clinical England thrash Sweden 4-0 to reach Women's Euro 2022 final

England will be prepared for everything Sweden can throw at them in Tuesday`s Euro 2022 semi-final at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in the hope of inspiring the nation with their bid to win the trophy for the first time, coach Sarina Wiegman said on Monday.

The Lionesses reached the last four after Georgia Stanway scored with a wonderful extra-time strike to earn them a 2-1 win over Spain last Wednesday in the quarter-finals.

"The England team is ready to play the best game tomorrow against Sweden," Wiegman told reporters.

"Hopefully we inspire the nation. We`ve prepared for everything. We`ve talked about every scenario that can happen, so I think we`re prepared for everything."

Wiegman said a "very difficult" game awaited England as Sweden, who they have not beaten at a major tournament since 1984, are well organised and very experienced.

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"We are England. We have Sweden as our opponents tomorrow. They have a very strong squad, so do we. We just hope we`ll play our style of game and get the win," she said.

"Everyone just has to stay focused on the game plan and, as much as they pose a threat, it`s about a collective. Every game is a different game and they always perform at the highest level in tournaments ... They`re No. 2 in the world and it`ll be a really tough game."

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Wiegman hoped the fans would play a big role in helping England reach the final against Germany or France, who meet on Wednesday, in the best-ever attended edition of the tournament.

"Reaching the semi-final has been really great already. We saw we brought a lot of inspiration but the fans gave us a lot of inspiration too," she added.

"I hope the fans are going to bring us lots of energy again. We`ll do that ourselves, but it really was an extra dimension they gave us in those last games," Wiegman added.

England will be prepared for everything Sweden can throw at them in Tuesday`s Euro 2022 semi-final at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in the hope of inspiring the nation with their bid to win the trophy for the first time, coach Sarina Wiegman said on Monday.

England will be prepared for everything Sweden can throw at them in Tuesday`s Euro 2022 semi-final at Bramall Lane in Sheffield in the hope of inspiring the nation with their bid to win the trophy for the first time, coach Sarina Wiegman said on Monday. The Lionesses reached the last four after Georgia Stanway scored with a wonderful extra-time strike to earn them a 2-1 win over Spain last Wednesday in the quarter-finals. "The England team is ready to play the best game tomorrow against Sweden," Wiegman told reporters. "Hopefully we inspire the nation. We`ve prepared for everything. We`ve talked about every scenario that can happen, so I think we`re prepared for everything." Wiegman said a "very difficult" game awaited England as Sweden, who they have not beaten at a major tournament since 1984, are well organised and very experienced. Also Read: Atletico Madrid willing to part ways with Antoine Griezmann for mega Cristiano Ronaldo move - Report "We are England. We have Sweden as our opponents tomorrow. They have a very strong squad, so do we. We just hope we`ll play our style of game and get the win," she said. "Everyone just has to stay focused on the game plan and, as much as they pose a threat, it`s about a collective. Every game is a different game and they always perform at the highest level in tournaments ... They`re No. 2 in the world and it`ll be a really tough game." Also Read: Can Harry Kane replace Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich? Julian Nagelsmann responds to speculations Wiegman hoped the fans would play a big role in helping England reach the final against Germany or France, who meet on Wednesday, in the best-ever attended edition of the tournament. "Reaching the semi-final has been really great already. We saw we brought a lot of inspiration but the fans gave us a lot of inspiration too," she added. "I hope the fans are going to bring us lots of energy again. We`ll do that ourselves, but it really was an extra dimension they gave us in those last games," Wiegman added.

England hope to inspire nation in Women's Euro 2022 semi-final against Sweden

Sweden thrashed Portugal 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 on Sunday as holders the Netherlands needed a flurry of late goals to beat Switzerland 4-1 to ensure their place in the last eight.

Silver medallists at last year's Olympics, Sweden are the highest ranked team in the tournament, but failed to hit top gear in drawing with the Dutch and squeezing past the Swiss 2-1 in their opening two games.

Peter Gerhardsson's women clicked into gear in Leigh to claim top spot in Group C and were 3-0 up by half-time. Manchester City's Filippa Angeldal struck twice before Carole Costa headed into her own net in first half stoppage time.

Kosovare Asllani's penalty made it 4-0 before Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius finally got on the scoresheet after having two earlier efforts ruled out.

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Sweden will face whoever finishes second in Group D with Belgium, Iceland and Italy all in with a chance to finishing behind France in Monday's matches.

"We were really satisfied that we did enough to win the group. That was something we hoped for when we started," said Gerhardsson.

The Netherlands lie in wait for the French in the last eight as they had enough to get through despite missing star striker Vivianne Miedema for the second consecutive game due to a positive case of coronavirus.

"We're playing a big opponent and so are they. I don't think they want to play us," said Netherlands boss Mark Parsons, whose side lost 3-1 to France in February.

"The result wasn't what we wanted (last time), but we said that the next time we played them, we were confident that we would be better. We saw opportunity."

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In front of a new record crowd of 22,596 for a women's Euro group match not involving the hosts, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic's own goal put the Dutch in front in Sheffield.

Switzerland responded almost immediately when Geraldine Reuteler coolly finished from Romana Bachmann's pull-back just three minutes later.

A draw would have been enough for Mark Parsons' side to reach the knockout stages, but they made sure of the three points with three goals in the final six minutes. Substitute Romee Leuchter struck twice, either side of Victoria Pelova's effort, which survived a lengthy VAR check for offside. 
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Sweden thrashed Portugal 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 on Sunday as holders the Netherlands needed a flurry of late goals to beat Switzerland 4-1 to ensure their place in the last eight.

Sweden thrashed Portugal 5-0 to reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 on Sunday as holders the Netherlands needed a flurry of late goals to beat Switzerland 4-1 to ensure their place in the last eight. Silver medallists at last year's Olympics, Sweden are the highest ranked team in the tournament, but failed to hit top gear in drawing with the Dutch and squeezing past the Swiss 2-1 in their opening two games. Peter Gerhardsson's women clicked into gear in Leigh to claim top spot in Group C and were 3-0 up by half-time. Manchester City's Filippa Angeldal struck twice before Carole Costa headed into her own net in first half stoppage time. Kosovare Asllani's penalty made it 4-0 before Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius finally got on the scoresheet after having two earlier efforts ruled out. Also Read: Lisandro Martinez to Manchester United confirmed as club agrees deal with Ajax to sign Argentine defender Sweden will face whoever finishes second in Group D with Belgium, Iceland and Italy all in with a chance to finishing behind France in Monday's matches. "We were really satisfied that we did enough to win the group. That was something we hoped for when we started," said Gerhardsson. The Netherlands lie in wait for the French in the last eight as they had enough to get through despite missing star striker Vivianne Miedema for the second consecutive game due to a positive case of coronavirus. "We're playing a big opponent and so are they. I don't think they want to play us," said Netherlands boss Mark Parsons, whose side lost 3-1 to France in February. "The result wasn't what we wanted (last time), but we said that the next time we played them, we were confident that we would be better. We saw opportunity." Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo likely to reject whopping $276 million per season offer from Saudi club - Report In front of a new record crowd of 22,596 for a women's Euro group match not involving the hosts, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic's own goal put the Dutch in front in Sheffield. Switzerland responded almost immediately when Geraldine Reuteler coolly finished from Romana Bachmann's pull-back just three minutes later. A draw would have been enough for Mark Parsons' side to reach the knockout stages, but they made sure of the three points with three goals in the final six minutes. Substitute Romee Leuchter struck twice, either side of Victoria Pelova's effort, which survived a lengthy VAR check for offside.

Sweden beat Portugal 5-0 to reach Women's Euro 2022 quarter-finals; Netherlands too reach top 4

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord cancelled out Jonna Andersson`s opener for Sweden as the defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight Group C clash at the women`s European Championship on Saturday.

Both teams started cautiously and a dull first half at Bramall Lane sprung to life when Sweden took a deserved lead in the 36th minute through Andersson who smashed home from close range following some excellent wing play from Kosovare Asllani.

Lina Hurtig almost got a second with a diving header minutes later before Danielle van de Donk blazed over for the Dutch, capping a miserable half in which they took off goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal and defender Aniek Nouwen due to injury.

Netherlands manager Mark Parsons told reporters that both players had been taken to hospital but he was not sure of the extent of the injuries.

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"We remained calm. How often do you lose your captain and central defender in the first half?" he said.

"We are concerned about their situation, but their replacements (keeper Daphne van Domselaar and Marisa Olislagers) did very well. I`m proud of how we fought back. In the end it`s a shame we didn`t win."

Netherlands, watched by their men`s team`s head coach Louis van Gaal, flew out of the traps after the break and hit back through Roord in the 52nd minute after she was brilliantly set up by Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema.

Miedema grew into the game as the half wore on, driving at the Swedish defence with real menace, and nearly played in Roord for the winner but the Wolfsburg player was denied by a superbly timed tackle from Magdalena Eriksson.

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"We kept it compact, and from there on we started playing football," said Miedema.

"Sweden are a great team. We were kind of surprised that they came out with five at the back, but we picked that up well in the end. I think they will go very far, and I hope we can do the same."

Portugal and Switzerland, the other teams in the group, played out a 2-2 draw earlier on Saturday.

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord cancelled out Jonna Andersson`s opener for Sweden as the defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight Group C clash at the women`s European Championship on Saturday.

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord cancelled out Jonna Andersson`s opener for Sweden as the defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in their heavyweight Group C clash at the women`s European Championship on Saturday. Both teams started cautiously and a dull first half at Bramall Lane sprung to life when Sweden took a deserved lead in the 36th minute through Andersson who smashed home from close range following some excellent wing play from Kosovare Asllani. Lina Hurtig almost got a second with a diving header minutes later before Danielle van de Donk blazed over for the Dutch, capping a miserable half in which they took off goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal and defender Aniek Nouwen due to injury. Netherlands manager Mark Parsons told reporters that both players had been taken to hospital but he was not sure of the extent of the injuries. Also Read: Germany thrash Denmark to get off to a flying start in Women's Euro 2022 "We remained calm. How often do you lose your captain and central defender in the first half?" he said. "We are concerned about their situation, but their replacements (keeper Daphne van Domselaar and Marisa Olislagers) did very well. I`m proud of how we fought back. In the end it`s a shame we didn`t win." Netherlands, watched by their men`s team`s head coach Louis van Gaal, flew out of the traps after the break and hit back through Roord in the 52nd minute after she was brilliantly set up by Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema. Miedema grew into the game as the half wore on, driving at the Swedish defence with real menace, and nearly played in Roord for the winner but the Wolfsburg player was denied by a superbly timed tackle from Magdalena Eriksson. Also Read: Lionel Messi threatens to leave PSG if French club signs Cristiano Ronaldo from Man Utd: Report "We kept it compact, and from there on we started playing football," said Miedema. "Sweden are a great team. We were kind of surprised that they came out with five at the back, but we picked that up well in the end. I think they will go very far, and I hope we can do the same." Portugal and Switzerland, the other teams in the group, played out a 2-2 draw earlier on Saturday.

Netherlands and Sweden share spoils in Women's Euro 2022 group opener