Historically, the Swedes have yet to lose a competitive game against the Three Lions. And they’re Euro record is even more encouraging: they won two and drew one in three previous Euro matchups. Look for Sweden to play a solid game having got over their first Group D game jitters. With so much international experience on the Swedish side, expect the Blue-Yellows to play with poise and focus.
England will look to alter the statistical
landscape tonight. They can take heart in their November 2011 friendly victory
against the Swedes, their first win against them in 43 years. This is the first
major competition in recent memory when the usual hopeful English fans don’t
have optimistic predictions for their side. This is the last chance for England’s
so called Golden Generation to shine. The question will be whether Roy Hodgson can
find the right formula with so much individual talent that hasn’t accomplished
much on the big soccer stage as a team.
But Kyiv is Sweden’s home turf, with all of
their group matches taking place in Kyiv. Most of the fans are based in the
capital’s Trukhaniv Island tent city. Fans staying in hotels and apartments
often join them for fun on the beach and cafes.
England’s star Wayne Rooney will serve his
second of two match suspensions during this match. But his Manchester United teammate
Danny Welbeck has been doing a good job filling in. Roy Hodgson’s side will
look to improve on their cautious tie with France on June 11 in Donetsk.
Ashley Young and Oxlade-Chamberlain face
suspensions if they’re booked one more time; and Cole is set for a
national-record 20th appearance at a major tournament, ahead of
Michael Owen.
As for the Blue-Yellows, AC Milan striker
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is looking to score in a fifth successive match for Sweden.
Rasmus Elm and playmaker Kim Kallstrom are a booking away from a suspension.
Par Hansson and Jonas Olsson have yet to make a competitive appearance for
Sweden, though both have friendly caps for their name.
Kyiv
Post staff writer Mark Rachkevych can be reached at [email protected].
