Same old England for the majority of it though. Blind optimism after a well taken header by Carroll followed by typical sloppy showing from the lions, losing possession too easily and failing to dictate the pace of play. After scoring the first it was similar to going a goal up against the French, defence sitting too deep and not closing down anyone on the edge of the area. Managed to limp to half time. 1-0.
For a team supposedly building from the back with a strong defence, England didn't half look shaky and the part time Swedes exposed this twice. The first goal was a comedy of errors and the second from static grounded defenders and lack of communication from the keeper. Any confidence gained by resolute defending vs. France, gone in two moments of madness against the unfancied Swedes. 1-2.
But then Hodgson showed tactical guile bringing on Theo Walcott. The lad has been waiting for his chance in a tournament to come. But on the flip side of that, England have been waiting for him to arrive at a tournament. Still living off his hatrick against Croatia in an ill fated qualification campaign, Mark Lawrenson rightly said 'it's time to shine'. And shine he did. Second touch he hit a decent effort on target which completely eluded eight yellow shirts and wrong footed the keeper. 2-2. Shortly after that he dashed through the defence to play a quick square ball for Welbeck to expertly bundle home. 3-2.
Four points out of six will surely see us through, but after this performance it's back to pessimism. If we play like this against the likes of Spain or Germany, what'll happen? Food for thought. However back to tonight, a victory is a victory even if you do things the hard way, and England showed us just why we love them and hate them in the space of 90 minutes.
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