Sports
England Men’s Elite League Squad Secure Victory Against Sweden in Croatia Friendly
England men’s Elite League Squad began their trip to Croatia on a positive note, clinching a 2-1 victory over Sweden at Stadion ŠRC Sesvete. In their first match of the month, the Young Lions, under the helm of Ben Futcher, displayed a solid performance, with goals from Will Alves and Dane Scarlett securing the win.
The opening goal came early in the game, with Will Alves finding the back of the net in the 11th minute, marking his return to international action after a lengthy injury layoff. The Leicester City player unleashed a stunning long-range strike to put England in the lead, showcasing his skill.
Sweden, however, did not go down without a fight, creating several chances that tested the English defense. Kaelan Casey made a crucial goal-line clearance, while Tim Prica and Jacob Ondrejka attempted long-range shots to challenge goalkeeper Jed Ward, but failed to hit the target.
England managed to maintain control of possession in the first half, heading into the break with a lead. In the second half, interim coach Ben Futcher made key substitutions to refresh the squad’s energy.
The Young Lions extended their lead just before the 60-minute mark, as captain Dane Scarlett scored from close range, displaying his leadership on the field. Despite a late goal from Sweden’s Deniz Gul, England held on to secure the victory.
The England lineup featured players from various clubs, including Bristol Rovers, Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester City, among others. The substitutes introduced by Futcher also made an impact, contributing to the team’s successful performance.