Sweden look to hit back but Rasmus Elm's cross from the left drifts over the goal and behind.
Sweden look to hit back but Rasmus Elm's cross from the left drifts over the goal and behind.
Carroll was of course drafted in to capitalise on Sweden's weakness in the air. Of the last eight goals that Erik Hamren's side has conceded, seven have been headers. I'd call that a problem.
"In the battle of the ponytails Andy Carroll uses his to great effect. Come on England."
David Clare, aged eight, Burnley, via text: "A good old fashioned England striker's goal."
George, Wigan, via text: "Carroll leapt like a majestic salmon to nod that in."
Adam, Cheltenham, via text: "Could Holt do that? Doubt it. Maybe the criticism will stop now..."
You may remember that England also took the lead against France and let it slip. They will be determined not to allow this to happen again. They have looked solid so far.
John Terry and Rasmus Elm have a little battle on the floor for the ball. The latter sits on it, Terry tries to kick it and catches him. It is a free-kick to England. Apparently.
That was a clear opening for England and Ashley Young has wasted it. Ashley Cole releases the Man United winger on the left, but his control just lets him down and the split second he loses dragging the ball back sees the angle close. He shoots tamely past the near post and Andy Carroll - who had made a decent run into the middle - is understandably aggrieved.
Sweden look to punish England for their wastefulness as Kim Kallstrom unleashes an effort from the edge of the box. It is well hit but just too high and it clears the bar.
Take that referee! Andy Carroll blasts a shot from 25 yards but Damir Skomina is right in front of it and takes it very close to a highly sensitive area. He's made of tough stuff, though, the Slovenian. He doesn't even rub it. Pain is for linesmen.
England have three Man City, two Man Utd, three Liverpool, two Chelsea and one Spurs player in starting XI. Sweden have a Sunderland player, one ex-Bolton and a right-back who couldn't cut it at Wigan. Far superior quality...nothing to worry about."
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