Sweden vs England – World Cup quarter final match preview

Quarter Final, Saturday 7 July, KO. 3pm BST, Samara, Russia

England have scraped their way into the quarter finals of the World Cup for the ninth time, but what was so special about this one? Well, they did it by winning a penalty shoot for the first time in a 68 year history of playing in World Cup tournaments. Now that the curse is broken can England beat their next opponents Sweden to do one better?

The global audience for England’s game against Colombia saw a tense, tight and often petulant match in the round of 16. But the English won’t be dwelling on the fact that it was only a penalty shoot out that separated them from their South American opponents. As England legend and former England assistant coach Gary Neville said in his post-match appraisal to native TV audiences, winning in that fashion was better than winning 1-0. It will certainly galvanise the nation, and will serve to stir the team also.

There is something special about this England team in Russia. It’s a far cry even from two years ago when England’s squad were dumped out to minnows Iceland in the round of 16, in a game that shocked Europe. England manager Gareth Southgate and his players have charmed with their positive attitude, their passing displays and their team mentality.

Another nation that will be calling on that team mentality are their next opponents, Sweden who have built a strong core around experienced players like captain Andreas Granqvist, Mikael Lustig, Sebastian Larsson and Marcus Berg. The Swedes don’t revel in delighting fans with amazing attacking play but have still managed to see off Mexico, Switzerland and South Korea with steely and solid team performances. It only took a last minute Toni Kroos bit of magic to see Germany claim three points in the final moments. England will have to be wary of their northern neighbours.

Nevertheless, as in their previous match against Colombia, England are heading into this one against Sweden as clear favourites with a number of betting sites, not to mention England’s leading goalscorer Harry Kane is also odds on favourites to take the Golden Boot. It’s certainly looking good for England.

Despite being one of the world’s premier footballing nations it’s been a torrid time for English fans in recent years. But with England and captain Kane riding high in Russia the bookies have caught World Cup fever and are keen to offer all sorts of betting bonuses and promotional offers on the Three Lions. If you want to find the best betting bonus for you, or simply want World Cup betting tips then head over to our partners.