Sweden happy in underdog role

IN Sweden, the excitement levels are growing and their press are slightly bemused by reports of English confidence heading into Saturday in Samara.

After knocking Holland and Italy out of the World Cup before they even got to Russia, the Swedes are fairly enthused by the prospect of playing Gareth Southgate’s (above) side.

And it must be remembered that they actually have more recent experience of a World Cup semi – they made it to the final four in America in 1994.

Hakan Mild, a member of that group, is encouraged by bullish English talk.

“England have just played a long, tough game with extra time and I also think they have hubris,” he said.

“They think they are going to win and they will get an unpleasant surprise on Saturday.”

Swedish sports newspaper ‘Sportbladet’ sounded a confident tone, declaring this showdown as “Harry Potter against Pippi Longstocking”.