England’s women must take on Sweden’s semi-final “head on”, says Demi Stokes
After a thrilling extra-time victory against Spain in the quarter-finals, England march on to the final four, where they face Sweden on Tuesday night.
The Lionesses enjoyed a perfect group stage, going 14 goals unanswered to top Group A and reach the knockouts, but an early setback to Spain tested England’s resolve.
Esther Gonzales’ goal just before the hour mark increased the pressure, but Ella Toone came off the bench to equalize with just six minutes remaining, and Georgia Stanway set up the winner in remarkable fashion in extra time.
Sweden also got a late winner in their quarter-final match with Belgium, with Linda Sembrant’s 92nd-minute goal sending them through to the last four.
World number two Sweden will give England another tough test on Tuesday night, but defender Demi Stokes insists the whole squad is ready for the challenge.
“We’ve got to stick to the process, which we’ve done and I think it’s been about taking each game and dealing with it head on,” said the 30-year-old.
“Credit to the team from the last game, but it’s about everyone, the whole 23 and the staff as well. It’s about being consistent, doing the right things and keeping our fingers crossed that we get the right result.
“It’s a squad of 23 and I think everyone knows their role, but equally, for those who aren’t playing, it’s about pushing your team-mates and how can you help them?
“Even from the training sessions you can see it and people say, ‘Well, if you do this, I think it’s hard, so if you run in behind I’m going to find it hard’, and the little conversations from everyone help. .
“Equally, the substitutes who have come in have done a brilliant job and it shows the depth we have in the squad. Going into tournament football is something you need.”
Wiegman used her bench to great effect in last week’s quarter-final win over Spain, where Ella Toone equalized late on after a knock-down by fellow substitute Alessia Russo.
Chloe Kelly and Alex Greenwood also impressed after their introductions in normal time, while experienced duo Jill Scott and Nikita Parris helped seal the tie at the death.
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