‘This result will go around the world,’ says Sarina Wiegman after England win

Sarina Wiegman said she was “incredibly proud” after her England team swept Sweden aside, reaching the Euro 2022 final with a 4-0 victory. After overcoming a tough start, it was a statement performance from the Lionesses who beat one of the favourites for the tournament.

“This result will go all over Europe and the world,” the England manager said. “It was such a performance that tomorrow everyone will talk about us. I think we have shown that we are very resilient.” Despite the electric atmosphere at Bramall Lane clearly in favour of the hosts, Sweden were not intimidated and started on the front foot.

The game was increasingly stretched, however, with England afforded space in transition. Beth Mead’s clinical finishing turned the tide after half an hour. Three goals followed in an impressive second‑half showing, with Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby all adding their names to the scoresheet.

“We didn’t start well,” Wiegman said. “We struggled a bit with how they play defensively. But we did better and better and the players found the solutions.

“The goal changed the momentum but I think in the second half we started playing better. We were tighter on the ball, made better decisions and the spaces became bigger.”

Russo’s goal was the highlight of the night, a backheel that nutmegged Hedvig Lindahl in the Sweden goal. “You must have so much courage to do such an unpredictable and phenomenal thing like that” said Wiegman of her young forward’s skill.

However, never one to get carried away, Wiegman was also keen to remain level-headed about her side’s feat. “We celebrate now a little bit,” she said post-match. “But we have a dream. We have come very far now and we want to go all the way.”

Peter Gerhardsson, the