International Football
Tottenham star Harry Kane can lead England into the World Cup semi-finals
Tottenham’s Harry Kane is key as England face their biggest game for years when they meet Sweden in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
England face their biggest game for years when they meet Sweden in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, and you can watch this World Cup game live.
Gareth Southgate’s side reached the last eight courtesy of a penalty shoot-out victory over Colombia in the first knockout round, while Sweden edged past Switzerland.
Harry Kane has been a major part of England’s run to the quarter-finals, with the Tottenham star currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with six goals.
Kane has a slight back problem after a number of tussles with Colombia defenders, while Dele Alli was substituted in the second-half after struggling with a thigh strain that kept him out of group games against Panama and Belgium.
However, the Tottenham pair have responded well to treatment and should be available for selection tomorrow afternoon.
Kane, Alli and Kieran Trippier are expected to be in the starting XI against Sweden, with Spurs teammates Danny Rose and Eric Dier on the bench.
Striker Jamie Vardy is England’s biggest worry. The Leicester star required a sugar injection in his groin immediately after the match at the Spartak Stadium and he looks set to miss out.
Ashley Young, Kyle Walker and Jesse Lingard have also required treatment this week, but the trio should be fit enough to take their place in what is expected to be an unchanged side.
Mikael Lustig misses out for Sweden after picking up two yellow cards, but Sebastian Larsson will be back in the line-up following his one-game ban.
Lustig will be replaced by Emil Krafth at right-back, while Larsson is set to return to the team in place of Gustav Svensson.
Jimmy Durmaz could be on the bench, but will face a late fitness test ahead of the game.
England are priced at 19/20 to win in 90 minutes, with Sweden available at 7/2 and the draw on offer at 9/4.
However, their record against Sweden suggests it would be foolish to underestimate the size of the challenge they face.
England have played Sweden twice at the World Cup previously in 2002 and 2006, drawing both games. The two sides have met 24 times since 1908, with England winning on just eight occasions.
Eight of England’s last 15 World Cup knockout matches have now gone to extra-time and they could well be taken all the way by Sweden.
Spurs’ striker Kane will probably be the key to their success. The 24-year-old has been in fine form during the tournament and punters will be eager to back him to get on the scoresheet this weekend.