Roy Hodgson was criticized after a very defensive performance against France which ended in a 1-1 draw. He decided to take a different approach with Sweden as he gave Andy Carroll the start alongside Danny Welbeck.
In his first official match as England manager, Roy Hodgson played a very defensive taking into consideration the offensive power France has. Against Sweden who may not have caused as many problems for England, or so they hoped, Hodgson relegated Oxlade-Chamberlain to the bench, giving Andy Caroll the start.
For the first 45 minutes, England was not outstanding going forward but they clearly took a different approach for this match. Although playing simple, they were being effective with their offensive movements. Steven Gerrard was working hard as always trying to play in his Liverpool teammate.
One of Gerrard's trademark crosses found the head of Carrol as he placed a powerful header by Sweden keeper Isaakson. The whole first half England looked to keep Sweden under control, but periodic possessions from Ibrahimovic led spectators to believe that at some point he would be able to cause some problems.
The second 45 minutes were by far more entertaining than the first, if not the most entertaining 45 minutes of the tournament. Andy Carroll was involved once again as he gave away a cheap foul a few yards outside Joe Hart's penalty box, leading to a Glen Johnson own goal. The first shot was blocked by the England wall, but then turned back in by Ibrahimovic who found Mellberg all alone. A desperation lunge from Johnson ended up sending the ball into his own goal, putting Sweden level on one goal.
Momentum quickly shifted as thoughts of England's first match came into mind after they took the lead against France and let the French back into the match late in the second half. Another set piece for Sweden, and yet again Mellberg on the end of it sending the Swedish fan base into chaos as Sweden now took the lead.
Roy Hodgson's side looked beaten and battered as they didn't look to have an answer for Sweden. On came Theo Walcott and in a matter of ten or so minutes, the match was once again turned on its head. The Arsenal forward scored from a long-range shot which looked to take a deflection, but he didn't even seem to understand how it went in.
That goal lifted the English spirits and once again, Walcott's pace was problematic for Sweden as he broke through two defenders, and his cross met Welbeck who with a magnificent touch, put England ahead 3-2. Not only was Walcott's play well constructed by the 23-year-old, but Welbeck's ability to turn his body and with his heel flick it into the back post was outstanding.
England was back on top and was able to hold on this time, eliminating Sweden from Euro 2012. This victory will prove to be important for England as they now are in second place with four points, one ahead of Ukraine who they face in their final match. A final match with an incredible amount of pressure for Hodgson who will finally have Wayne Rooney back from suspension.
One thing many fans will be wondering is if Rooney will get the start or if Hodgson will stick with Carroll and Welbeck in the starting eleven. Another possibility is pulling one of the strikers and playing Rooney in behind as the creative midfielder as he does so often at Manchester United.
The Three Lions will have a chance to in some ways get the monkey off their back as they very often fail to impress in big competitions. Making it through to the next round will be a big confidence boost for England, but they must not under-estimate the Ukrainian's who can and will cause them problems throughout the match.
For the first 45 minutes, England was not outstanding going forward but they clearly took a different approach for this match. Although playing simple, they were being effective with their offensive movements. Steven Gerrard was working hard as always trying to play in his Liverpool teammate.
One of Gerrard's trademark crosses found the head of Carrol as he placed a powerful header by Sweden keeper Isaakson. The whole first half England looked to keep Sweden under control, but periodic possessions from Ibrahimovic led spectators to believe that at some point he would be able to cause some problems.
The second 45 minutes were by far more entertaining than the first, if not the most entertaining 45 minutes of the tournament. Andy Carroll was involved once again as he gave away a cheap foul a few yards outside Joe Hart's penalty box, leading to a Glen Johnson own goal. The first shot was blocked by the England wall, but then turned back in by Ibrahimovic who found Mellberg all alone. A desperation lunge from Johnson ended up sending the ball into his own goal, putting Sweden level on one goal.
Momentum quickly shifted as thoughts of England's first match came into mind after they took the lead against France and let the French back into the match late in the second half. Another set piece for Sweden, and yet again Mellberg on the end of it sending the Swedish fan base into chaos as Sweden now took the lead.
Roy Hodgson's side looked beaten and battered as they didn't look to have an answer for Sweden. On came Theo Walcott and in a matter of ten or so minutes, the match was once again turned on its head. The Arsenal forward scored from a long-range shot which looked to take a deflection, but he didn't even seem to understand how it went in.
That goal lifted the English spirits and once again, Walcott's pace was problematic for Sweden as he broke through two defenders, and his cross met Welbeck who with a magnificent touch, put England ahead 3-2. Not only was Walcott's play well constructed by the 23-year-old, but Welbeck's ability to turn his body and with his heel flick it into the back post was outstanding.
England was back on top and was able to hold on this time, eliminating Sweden from Euro 2012. This victory will prove to be important for England as they now are in second place with four points, one ahead of Ukraine who they face in their final match. A final match with an incredible amount of pressure for Hodgson who will finally have Wayne Rooney back from suspension.
One thing many fans will be wondering is if Rooney will get the start or if Hodgson will stick with Carroll and Welbeck in the starting eleven. Another possibility is pulling one of the strikers and playing Rooney in behind as the creative midfielder as he does so often at Manchester United.
The Three Lions will have a chance to in some ways get the monkey off their back as they very often fail to impress in big competitions. Making it through to the next round will be a big confidence boost for England, but they must not under-estimate the Ukrainian's who can and will cause them problems throughout the match.
