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Match Analysis: Euro 2012 – Sweden 2-3 England

Match Analysis: Euro 2012 – Sweden 2-3 England
© PA Photos
Sports Mole dissects England's 3-2 victory over Sweden in Group D on Friday.

Following England's 3-2 victory over Sweden on Friday evening, Roy Hodgson's troops have moved into second spot in Group D.

Meanwhile, Sweden's chances of progressing to the quarter-finals have been ended following back-to-back defeats.

Tonight's encounter was arguably the most dramatic and entertaining fixture of the European Championships thus far - with England recovering from 2-1 down to take all three points.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes between the two Group D rivals.

Sweden statistics:
Shots: 12
On target: 9
Possession: 48%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 11

England statistics:
Shots: 15
On target: 8
Possession: 52%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9

Was the result fair?

Just about. In truth, there was little quality on display this evening. It was more a case of mistakes breeding goals, rather than fantastic football. England were much the better in the first half, however, and deserved to secure all three points.

Sweden's performance

Ever so bitty. The Swedes were almost non-existent in the first period, but certainly improved after the interval. In Zlatan Ibrahimovic, they had the best player on the pitch by a country mile, but he just couldn't produce the goods.

England's performance

Different manager, same old England. The Three Lions looked in total control after their first-half display, but the way they collapsed in the second period will be worrying. The good news? They responded fantastically to going behind and showed real heart.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Danny Welbeck: It would be quite easy to give it to Theo Walcott following his impressive cameo. However, Welbeck's non-stop running and impressive ability on the ball was one of England's highlights. Oh, and there was that wonderful flick which secured the win.

Referee performance

Nice and steady from Damir Skomina this evening. He let the players play and we didn't hear much from him, which is always a good sign.

Biggest gaffe of the game

Cue Ibrahimovic. The AC Milan striker is a wonderfully gifted talent but he gave possession away too many times in the first half when he tried to go alone. Take your pick.

What next?

Sweden: That's it for the Swedes. Successive defeats to Ukraine and England mean that their flirtation with Euro 2012 is over.

England: England just need a single point against Ukraine to make the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, they can top the group if they better France's result against Sweden.

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