THE FORMATION
Unsurprisingly, England kept their 3-5-2 system intact and once again it worked perfectly. Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling may not have scored but their partnership is developing really well and the movement of the latter was particularly impressive.
Harry Maguire of England celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia
Image credit: Getty Images
Jordan Henderson ran the show in midfield, supported ably by Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli. The defence might have needed their goalkeeper to bail them out on a couple of occasions, but it’s easy to see that the back three are looking more and more comfortable in this formation.
THE VERDICT ON SOUTHGATE
Gareth Southgate kept the same team and formation and he was rewarded with another brilliant performance from his team. Where Southgate deserves real praise is sticking with Alli. The Tottenham Hotspur forward has not looked fit at this tournament and there were some calls for him to be dropped.
Sweden vs England - Samara Arena, Samara, Russia - July 7, 2018 England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates their first goal scored by Harry Maguire
Image credit: Reuters
But Southgate kept faith and it feels as if he has now announced himself at the World Cup - and that could be bad news for England’s next opponents. Southgate could have perhaps made an earlier sub to rest players and freshen up the team but that is a very minor criticism.
As ever, his waistcoat game was exemplary.
PLAYER RATINGS
Jordan Pickford - 9: Another exceptional match from the Everton stopper, as he made a couple of outstanding saves at crucial moments in the match. His kicking was excellent in the second-half and he commanded his box well.
Jordan Pickford of England celebrates after teammate Harry Maguire scores their team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena
Image credit: Getty Images
Kieran Trippier - 8: England's best player at the World Cup continues to excel with fantastic delivery, good work-rate and a intelligent use of the football. Trippier has been one of the revelations of the tournament and teams are still struggling to cope with him.
Kyle Walker - 6: A solid display from Walker, who is growing into his role as the right-sided centre-back. His pace is critical to England and teams are clearly worried when they pass down his side because if they over-hit it even slightly he's all over it.
John Stones - 6: Far more comfortable on the ball compared to Colombia and some important interceptions as well. A thoroughly assured performance.
Harry Maguire - 7: A bullet header set England on their way and Sweden looked unable to deal with him from set-pieces. Some solid defensive work as a new national hero was born.
Harry Maguire of England celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia.
Image credit: Getty Images
Ashley Young - 7: Nearly caught out by Sweden once only for Pickford to save him but otherwise very good. His delivery was good but it would be nice to see him trust his left foot more.
Jesse Lingard - 8: Seemed to never stop running and provided the perfect foil to Henderson in midfield. Was unlucky not to score and has made himself indispensable in the heart of the team.
Jordan Henderson - 9: Magnificent. Ran the game from midfield, covering ground, making crucial blocks and displaying a wide range of passing. When Henderson passes forward, as he did today, he looks a far more complete midfielder, needs to build on this in the next round.
England's midfielder Jordan Henderson drinks water during the Russia 2018 World Cup quarter-final football match between Sweden and England at the Samara Arena in Samara on July 7, 2018.
Image credit: Getty Images
Dele Alli - 7: Really poor in the first half but the goal seemed to ignite something within him. He's clearly been struggling for fitness but it is now feeling as if he is starting to come to the party.
Raheem Sterling - 8: Fantastic. Yes the two chances he wasted were incredibly frustrating but Sterling's movement was sensational, he caused Sweden problems all afternoon. The goal will come but until then he is doing everything else brilliantly.
Robin Olsen of Sweden saves Raheem Sterling of England's effort during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia.
Image credit: Getty Images
Harry Kane - 6: Possibly one of the only disappointments and even then it wasn't as if he played poorly. He didn't necessarily look fully fit but he still led the line well.
SUBS
Fabian Delph - 6: Came on for Alli and looked good given he's been hopping to-and-from England for the birth of his child. If Southgate wants an option to shore up a game, Delph is the first-choice surely?
Eric Dier - N/A: Late sub for Henderson, didn't really have time to do anything.
Marcus Rashford - N/A: Late change for Sterling, might have a more important role in the semi-final.
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