Match Preview: Sweden vs England

England and Sweden face off in what is, surely, a must win game for the two sides. Both teams have had a rather lackluster start to Euro 2012, and three points would go a long way to improve their chances of progressing to the next round. And would also ease the pressure after a disappointing first round.

England, who started off as tournament favorites along with Spain and Germany, had a rather slow start to the tournament drawing the game 1-1 with France. Though skipper Steven Gerrard and coach Roy Hodgson said they were ‘happy’ with the team’s performance against France, the Three Lions will count themselves lucky after managing to scramble a point from a threatening French side. England were poor in front of goal, having managed only one shot on target which was converted into a goal, and were lucky not to lose the game due to poor finishing from France.

Sweden too have failed to impress in their first round match against Ukraine as they squandered a one goal advantage in the second half to go down 2-1 to Ukraine. The highlight of the match for Sweden was the fine performance by captain and talisman striker, Zlatan Ibrahimovic as he was the focal point of every Swedish attack. The importance of Ibra in this side cannot be stressed enough, and their hopes will once again lie firmly on his shoulders. The Swedes will desperately want a result from this match as they next face an impressive French line-up.

Recent Form:

England – Their recent form has been impressive and they qualified for Euro’s after topping their qualifying group. Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young have been in good form for their club, Manchester United and will hope to replicate their good run for the national side. England look solid at the back with Terry and Lescott forming the core of their defense. Their main concern will be the absence of Rooney, who misses the first two games of the competition due to suspension.

Last five matches: DWWLW

Sweden – The Swedes qualified for Euro’12 after finishing second behind Netherlands in group E. Their performance in the first round against Ukraine was disappointing as they lost 2-1, but they will take a few positives from the game, especially from the performances of Ibrahomovic and Kallstrom.

Last five matches: LWWWL

Head to Head:

Sweden and England have enjoyed a healthy rivalry in the past and the two sides know each other well. Though England are confident of a victory and Steven Gerrard said they should be at four points after this game, but the English will be wary of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Ibra has been in phenomenal form having scored 35 goals for AC Milan last season. The last two meetings between the two resulted in a win for England and a draw in the 2006 world cup. Though England won a friendly against Sweden last year, they have never managed the feat in a competitive match since 1988 and will be looking to set the record straight.

Previous meetings:

Nov’11- Eng1-Swe0

Jun’06- Eng2-Swe2

Possible Starting Lineups and formations:

Sweden- 4-5-1

Gk- Isaakson

Def- Lustig, Melberg, Granquist, Olsson

Mid- Svensson, Kallstrom, Larsson, Ibrahimavoc, Toivonen

For- Elmander

England- 4-5-1

Gk- Hart

Def- Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole

Mid- Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Oxlade-Chamberlain

For- Welbeck

This is a must win game for either side as a loss would almost certainly send either of the teams home. A win would take England to four points and their final group game against Ukraine shouldn’t be tough, a draw will only get them to two points and will then have to rely on France and Sweden to qualify. While for Sweden, anything short of victory tonight will be futile, as even a victory against France will not suffice if they don’t win.

Match prediction: England 1-0 Sweden

The English back four coupled with Joe Hart should be able to contain Ibrahimovic if they maintain discipline and mark him well. As for the rest of the Swedish attack, it looked quite toothless against Ukraine and will be much less effective against a much more formidable English defense. England themselves do not look dangerous in front of goal but I think they should be able to score against Sweden, if they keep pressing.