Is football going home, after all?
England comfortably beat Sweden 2-0 on Saturday to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 28 years and send their fans into dreamland, chanting ‘football’s coming home!’ in Samara.
Harry Maguire headed England ahead from a corner in the first half in Samara and Dele Alli doubled the lead with just over half an hour to go. It was a performance where it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say England didn’t break a sweat – as professional and clinical as it could be in the last eight of a World Cup.
England had 12 attempts on goal, but only two on target. Ultimately, those two efforts were enough for them to coast through to a relatively comfortable win.
Jordan Pickford was immense in goal and will cherish a first clean sheet of the tournament.
England will play the winner of the Russia v Croatia quarter-final that takes place in Sochi later on Saturday.
Twitter was abuzz with, what else but, a feeling of #ItsComingHome.
The dream is alive...#WorldCup #ENG #PL pic.twitter.com/HQgM5c0aLd
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 7, 2018
You wanted to make history @England and you are doing just that. This has been an incredible #WorldCup run and we’ve enjoyed every minute. You deserve this moment – Football’s Coming Home! W
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 7, 2018
It's coming home... pic.twitter.com/Qxg8g0HvLe
— British Airways (@British_Airways) July 7, 2018
It’s Coming Home... big performance from the boys! Semi Final here we come 🏴🏆 #WorldCup #ENG pic.twitter.com/lcJet7v6Fe
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 7, 2018
(loud noises)
— COPA90 (@COPA90) July 7, 2018
Translation: "It's coming home"#ENG #Worldcup pic.twitter.com/WU4dWFR0Fy
England to Sweden pic.twitter.com/chSA3ZY3C7
— Sahil Rizwan (@SahilRiz) July 7, 2018
Exclusive statement from World Cup: pic.twitter.com/rwpKxlCHZu
— Mostly Offline Send Email Instead (@sidin) July 7, 2018
WE ARE IN A WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL! Can we all just take a second, sit down and think about this It’s unbelievable!! 😭 👍🏻🔥 first time since 1990 #ItsComingHome #threelions #England #WorldCup
— Olly Murs (@ollyofficial) July 7, 2018
Everyone round ours Wednesday! It’s coming home!!!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ #WorldCup
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) July 7, 2018
I cannot believe im writing this.
— Stylosa (@unitlostgaming) July 7, 2018
England are in the #WorldCup semi finals.
Just wow. I'm literally crying right now. I can't believe this is real.
Well played #SWE
Breathe this moment in, #ENG fans... You’re on your way to a #WorldCup semifinal! pic.twitter.com/tZUV6UjkCq
— Laure James, FIFA (@FIFAWorldCupENG) July 7, 2018
Still can't believe how easy this route has been for #eng. This isn't the #WorldCup , it's the bloody 50CC Mushroom Cup 😉
— Chris Scullion (@scully1888) July 7, 2018
I never thought it would happen and I can’t believe I’m saying this. But I genuinely think Tottenham might be in with a chance of winning a trophy here. #worldcup
— Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) July 7, 2018
If England win the World Cup, I’m naming my first born Gareth Southgate. I don’t care if it’s a boy or girl.
— - (@AnfieldRd96) July 7, 2018
Blimey....It’s supposed to be harder than this. Actually I’ll shut up. Long way to go.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2018
At this point I'm willing to entertain the idea that it might just be coming home. #WorldCup
— Gentleman Jack Gallagher (@GentlemanJackG) July 7, 2018
It's coming home... pic.twitter.com/Qxg8g0HvLe
— British Airways (@British_Airways) July 7, 2018
Jordan Pickford’s performance came in for special praise.
You’re only ever as good as your keeper! 😜 #Pickford #keepersunion #worldcup #EnglandvsSweden
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) July 7, 2018
WOW it’s just getting better and better, hope @JPickford1 gets the match ball after his #Hattrick of amazing saves!! #EnglandvsSweden #ENGSWE #russia2018 #WorldCupRussia #worldcup
— David Seaman (@thedavidseaman) July 7, 2018
Incredible time for Jordan Pickford. A few weeks before the #WorldCup the keeper’s jersey was up for grabs and now he’s playing a blinder on the biggest stage of all.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 7, 2018
Jord Save the Queen. #ENG #ThreeLions
— Getty Images Sport (@GettySport) July 7, 2018
See more: https://t.co/pmAxrIRsix #SWEENG pic.twitter.com/4MUAugFj8a