Why England Should Respect Sweden ahead of their Quarter-Final Match

England will face Sweden in their Quarter-Final on Saturday afternoon and while there is a complacency about their opponents ahead of their match, I think that Sweden have the capability to make things awkward for England. 

While it would be unfair to suggest that anyone in the England camp views Sweden as an easy route to their first Semi-Final in 28 years, it could not have gone as smoothly as it has for England. This is because they have avoided meeting any of the four top-ranked teams in the tournament in the knockout stages. 

However, Sweden are a side who will demand respect from England as their recent record in the post-Zatlan era has been astounding. Under their manager, Janne Andersson they have carried out a defensive philosophy which has created a good team spirit in the side. They have beaten the likes of France, Italy, Portugal, and Mexico since he took over in 2016. I am sure the side will be eager to add England to their collection of international scalps. 

Andersson is a manager with great experience of turning teams who lack quality and financial backing into title contenders. In his last job, he created a Leicester-esque title-winning season with an underfunded IFK Norrkoping in the Swedish league. 

I am sure that if he carries Sweden into the Semi-Finals on Saturday there will be a number of ambitious clubs will be sniffing around for his signature. 

As of recent, Sweden have lured many teams into their defensive trap by inviting pressure onto them and then scoring goals on the break. They have only conceded two goals in Russia – against Germany – and with England only scoring two goals in open play so far, Gareth Southgate’s side will have to be on their best form to unlock this bullish Scandinavian defensive. 

Sweden are a team with a clear identity, a team who know they do not need to have much of the ball to win, they are a team who boast great team spirit which can carry them into the Semi-Finals. 

The nation believes they can beat anyone, with players, ex-managers and even pop stars coming out publically in stating that have foreseen a Swedish victory in Sahara on Saturday. 

Hopefully, England will have that defeat to their Scandinavian neighbours Iceland in Euro 2016 fresh in their minds and will enter the game with a modest game-plan that will show respect for Sweden. If they do they will win, if not then Sweden punish their complacency with a goal on the counter-attack that will send Gareth Southgate’s and his men home.