England reaches first Euros final since 2009 with statement win vs. Sweden

England is on to its first Euros final since 2009 after an emphatic 4-0 win Tuesday against Sweden in the semifinals.

The victory marks a breakthrough for the Lionesses, who have reached the semifinals in four consecutive Euros but have not advanced to the final in this decade. The tournament hosts now travel to Wembley Stadium, where a sold-out crowd and the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Germany and France awaits.

Beth Mead got the flurry started in the first half, tying the goal-scoring record for a single Euros with her sixth goal of the tournament. The tally put her firmly in the lead for the Golden Boot. She sits two goals ahead of Germany’s Alexandra Popp, who has scored four so far.

Shortly after halftime, Lucy Bronze added another for England, putting the team up 2-0.

.@LucyBronze puts England up 2. 💥#WEURO2022 pic.twitter.com/BHjHshSyvU

— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) July 26, 2022

In the 68th minute, Alessia Russo got on the board. Her backheel nutmeg goal immediately became one of the highlights of the tournament so far.

.@alessiarusso7 are you kidding me?? 🤯#WEURO2022 pic.twitter.com/gyY7yzPMyi

— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) July 26, 2022

Fran Kirby iced the win in the 77th minute, scoring the Lionesses’ fourth goal for the match and her 17th in an England uniform.

A total of 28,624 people turned out to watch the game in person at Bramall Lane Stadium in Sheffield, making it the most-attended UEFA Women’s Euro semifinal in history.

Yet another record-breaking evening 🥳#ENG v #SWE has become the most-attended UEFA Women’s EURO semi-final in history - thank you to everyone in Sheffield tonight for making it possible 👏@Lionesses | #WEURO2022 | @svenskfotboll pic.twitter.com/tB5XG5ZTUm

— Ticketing - UEFA Women's EURO 2022 (@WEUROTicketing) July 26, 2022