England legend Kelly Smith gives brutal verdict on Sweden ahead of Lionesses Euro 2022 semi-final

England legend Kelly Smith slammed the Lionesses’ semi-final opponents Sweden as unimpressive after they scraped past Belgium.

Linda Sembrant swept the ball home from close range in the 92nd minute of their Women's Euro 2022 quarter-final to set up a last four showdown with the Lionesses at a sold-out Bramall Lane on Tuesday.

The highest ranked team in the tournament toiled against a stubborn Belgium side who relied on heroics from their keeper Nicky Evrard to keep the Red Flames in the match.

Sweden racked up a tally of 33 shots - nine on target - at Leigh Sports Village, and former England and Arsenal forward Smith said England have nothing to fear following the final whistle.

“England are looking at this thinking we can take this Sweden side. They've won the game, but they haven't impressed me tonight,” Smith told the BBC.

“England will be very happy with what they've seen tonight because Sweden don't look clinical in front of goal - I wasn't impressed with the creativity and the dimensions up front. It's just not clicking for them.”

And Reading striker Natasha Dowie concurred with Smith’s assessment on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying the world’s No.2 side must improve to match the Lionesses’ level.

Speaking after Sweden's win over Belgium, Dowie said: “Sweden need to find a second gear if they are going to compete with England because England look much stronger - they will be confident.

“Compare the England game against Spain, the quality and difference between the two games is massive. The game tonight was pretty boring, lacking in quality and slow. You expect more from Sweden.”

Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen concurred and warned free-scoring England could run riot against Sweden if their opponents fail to deliver a