World Cup 2018: Sweden 0-2 England - 5 Talking Points

Harry Maguire gave England the lead with a thumping header
Harry Maguire gave England the lead with a thumping header

#3 England show they aren't over-reliant on Harry Kane

Harry Kane couldn't impose his influence on proceedings
Harry Kane couldn't impose his influence on proceedings

Once again, England didn't create much from open play, but this game was always going to pan out this way, given the well-drilled Swedish defence.

But the tournament's top scorer and England's captain would have hoped to be much more involved than he eventually was in this game.

Kane was a peripheral figure throughout the 90 minutes, not that it was for want of trying. Whenever England tried to go long to him, he was dealt with easily by Granqvist and Victor Lindelof, and when they had the ball on the floor, they couldn't find him too often.

Lingard's running from midfield and Raheem Sterling's intelligence of movement proved to be able threats for England throughout the game, and Kane might yet have had a big chance in this game, had Sterling made a better decision late in the first half.

After being sent through on goal by Henderson, Sterling went around the 'keeper and then fluffed his lines, when a simple cut-back to the captain would've resulted in England going into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Yet, England have reason to be pleased. Kane was virtually a bystander throughout the game and yet, they managed to come out of it with two goals

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now