Back in the World Cup for the first time since 2006, Sweden have reached the last eight for the first time in 24 years. And they historically enjoy playing England, who have won just one of the last eight meetings between the two countries.
That single success came at Euro 2012, when England won 3-2. But at World Cups, the teams have met twice with both games ending in a draw - during the 2002 and 2006 tournaments.
“Someone said something about 99 times out of 100 England would beat us,” said Sweden captain Andreas Granqvist. “Well, it’s fun for England to have that sort of confidence. Let’s play the game and see how things go.
“England are a very good side. They’ve changed the way they play, before they were more direct and played the long ball, now they are more skillful, they have very quick players. But we know Sweden usually play well against England. We have had good results against them, so to me it doesn’t really matter.”
