Women's football

[Gingerfinch]

I have not got a clue. The best four teams are left and there doesn't seem much in any of the teams.

[Durhamfootman]

big night, tonight

[sussexpob]

Go on girls....one foot in the final

[sussexpob]

Over

[Gingerfinch]

We looked a bit vulnerable when we sat back for about 10 minutes but apart from that we've looked scary going forward.

[sussexpob]

Sweden were poor v Belgium, but this has been a very shocking result. I had Sweden maybe favourites, but we've just annihilated them

[Gingerfinch]

Footman must be in shock, he hasn't posted yet!

[Durhamfootman]

why.... has something happened?

[Durhamfootman]

[Durhamfootman]

For 30 mins Sweden looked like the no.2 side in the world. The first goal was definitely against the run of play. The difference I think was that England wanted too much time on the ball and always took that extra touch, so Sweden had plenty of time to get players back even on an England break. It was no surprise to me that once England took a leaf out the Sweden handbook and started moving the ball quickly, one and two touch football, that the opening came. The early second half goal settled things really and Sweden were too far back.

What was particularly satisfying was that 2 of the lionesses under the most scrutiny, were terrific tonight. Daly was solid at the back even when Sweden made the switch and doubled up on her, and found good passes going forward. Kirby was the best player on the pitch tonight and I'm so glad she got her reward. It's also significant that her goal came the way it did, because it's a sign that her confidence (sadly missing for months now) is back. The Fran Kirby at the start of these finals would not have taken the lob on, she'd have looked for the best pass to make

I'm absolutely chuffed.... and between you and me, the Russo backheel had me out of my chair

I'll bet you wish you were there tonight, ginger

[Gingerfinch]

Earps and Bright were also excellent tonight but yes, pleased for Kirby.

Gonna try and get tickets for the final but will be lucky to get them.

[Durhamfootman]

Well MIllie Bright is England's most influential player. The goal tally is now 20 for and 1 against and MIllie Bright is a huge part of that disparity. If ever Weigman wanted to change the entire XI in the second half of a game, Bright would be the last player to be taken off

The thing that I noticed tonight when Sweden were causing so much trouble at corners was that Blackstenius was constantly backing into and blocking Earps off. I don't have a problem with that she's probably very entitled to do that and it was clearly part of a plan, but I was a bit disappointed that the England defenders didn't protect Earps better from that. There were some moments of chaos deep in the England box and Earps made some good reaction saves to keep England in charge

[Durhamfootman]

I also think that, while White hasn't been at her clinical best in this tournament, Russo is more effective when she comes on later because her threat is very different from that of White which seems to open things up for her.

Unless there's a late injury, there is absolutely no chance of England changing the starting line up.

[Gingerfinch]

I also think that, while White hasn't been at her clinical best in this tournament, Russo is more effective when she comes on later because her threat is very different from that of White which seems to open things up for her.

Unless there's a late injury, there is absolutely no chance of England changing the starting line up.

Yeah same team and rightly so. I though she may have changed a couple of places before tonight's game but glad she didn't.

[Durhamfootman]

Very unprofessional of England though, to win a semi final 4-0. You wouldn't find Sir Gareth doing that.

He'd have used his half time team talk to tell the players that they can win that match 1-0 as long as they defend really, really, deep and let Sweden come at them. And he'd probably have left out Russo, Kelly and Greenwood and kept them back for the penalties afterwards if required..... the big pudding!