England’s Lionesses have sent home fans into a frenzy, beating Sweden to reach the final of the Women’s European Championships in a game highlighted by a backheel wonder goal from substitute Alessia Russo.
The hosts produced a stunning second-half performance to win 4-0 at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, with goals from Russo, Beth Mead, Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby.
The Lionesses made a nervy start but once Mead produced a moment of brilliance to fire them ahead in the 34th minute it was one-way traffic for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who became the first England women’s team to reach a major final since 2009.
England have now won 11 consecutive matches and will face either Germany or France — who meet on Thursday morning (AEST) — in a Wembley showdown on Sunday as they bid to win their first major trophy.
Sweden, the second-ranked team in the world, had three big chances to take the lead early on. They were denied by the woodwork and paid a heavy price.
Mead produced a great turn on the edge of the area to power a shot beyond goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl to give England a half-time lead that was barely deserved.
But they turned on the style in the second half to crank up a party atmosphere inside the stadium.
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Bronze headed England’s second in the 48th minute from a corner and Lauren Hemp somehow failed to make it 3-0 when she fired against the crossbar from substitute Russo’s low cross.
Russo then produced an outstanding piece of improvisation to take the game away from Sweden, sending a cheeky back heel through the legs of goalkeeper Lindahl.
Kirby then put the icing on the cake with a flighted effort that Lindahl could only help into the back of the net.
After that it was exhibition stuff for a rampant England side who will now take some stopping in Sunday’s final, especially with Mead in such scintillating form.
The Arsenal forward is the leading scorer at the tournament with six goals and two assists in five games so far.
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