World Cup 2018: Swedish press react to England’s win over Colombia ahead of quarter-final and the fear ‘football’s coming home’

Stockholm papers have praised Gareth Southgate's "humble and realistic" team and praised their approach to "extraordinarily important match" last night

Alex Terrell

Published: 10:49, 4 Jul 2018
Updated: 12:01, 4 Jul 2018

ENGLAND have been praised for being "humble and realistic" by the Swedish press after victory over Colombia in the World Cup last-16.

The Swedes now await Gareth Southgate's side in the quarter-finals.

England celebrated victory over Colombia after Eric Dier scored the winning spot kickCredit: AP:Associated Press

Harry Kane nailed his penalty in normal time and during the shootoutCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

And the Scandinavians have realised that today's England are not the kick-and-rush team of yesteryear.

According to Aftonbladet, an English team used to "self destruct" after being pegged back in a knock-out game.

Erik Niva adds: "England has won over their absolute worst enemy – they defeated themselves.

"As Yerry Mina nodded that equaliser on 93 minutes, you could have been the house, home and hamster wheel that England would self-destruct.

"And then when Jordan Henderson missed first... everything was ready and done."

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The same publication was also keen to point out the difference between the "over-confident" fanbase and the players themselves.

The paper adds: "The supporters have been saying that 'football's coming home' and [talking about] England's relatively easy route to the final.

"And that's what it usually sounds like in English during the World Cup... always extreme (over) belief in themselves.

"But it definitely does not sound like that from the players and management.

"When the Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate gets asked questions about what awaits in the quarter-finals, he chooses to respond with great humility."

Former England boss Sven Goran-Eriksson reckons Sweden will do one over the Three LionsCredit: PA:Press Association

Andreas Granqvist and Sweden negotiated their way past Switzerland in the World Cup last-16Credit: Getty - Contributor

Sweden fans go mad after their side score a winner against SwitzerlandCredit: EPA

Again it's Southgate's shrewd and down-to-earth management that is making the news in Stockholm.

One of his predecessors, Sven Goran-Eriksson, thinks the Swedes will prevail though.

Sven said: "Sweden's compact defensive game is huge. As for England, they looked like [they were set] for victory after 90 minutes, but it was not enough.

"But then it's great fun for them to win on penalties.

"England will make it very difficult to score goals for Sweden. But I think it will be a Swedish victory."