England 4-0 Sweden: Lionesses reach Euro 2022 final with big win over Sweden

England reached their first major women’s tournament final since 2009 in stunning fashion as they put four past Olympic finalists Sweden at Euro 2022.

It was a thrilling match from start to finish as Sweden piled on the pressure in the opening 25 minutes, only for England to dismantle them with ruthless finishing and a touch of class.

Substitute Alessia Russo once again produced a moment of magic when her instinctive backheel made it 3-0 to England only 11 minutes after her introduction.

Golden Boot leader Beth Mead had put England ahead in the first half against the run of play, spinning and firing into the far corner, before defender Lucy Bronze headed in a second.

Chelsea’s Fran Kirby put the icing on the cake when she chipped despairing goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl to complete the rout.

England keeper Mary Earps was in fine form, pulling off numerous saves to deny Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius – the best coming early in the second half when she reacted to tip a looping effort inches over the crossbar from close range.

Blackstenius had earlier hit the crossbar before Mead’s opener swung momentum in England’s favour and from then on it was a display of their impressive attacking depth.

Victory for the Lionesses ends a 13-year wait to return to the final of a major tournament and they are the favourites to lift the trophy for the first time at Wembley on Sunday.

Mead extends Golden Boot lead

Arsenal forward Mead has tormented every one of England’s opposition at this Euros and despite a very shaky start for the hosts, she always carried a threat.

She spent most of the opening 25 minutes tracking back down the right to offer defensive support for Bronze but remained an outlet on the break.

Mead had England’s first big chance of the match when she glanced a header inches wide of the post within four minutes.

Half an hour later she read the play and was alert when Lauren Hemp’s cross flew inches past Ellen White, only to come back into Mead to touch, swivel and fire in the opener.

It was Mead’s sixth goal of the tournament – overtaking Jodie Taylor’s five at Euro 2017, which earned her the Golden Boot.

Her closest challenger for top scorer at Euro 2022 is Germany’s Alexandra Popp on four goals – although she could add more in Wednesday’s semi-final against France.

More to follow.