Sweden coach, Janne Andersson has explained why his side were defeated by England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 tie played at the Samara Stadium on Saturday.
Harry Maguire and Dele Alli scored headers as The Three Lions booked their place in a first World Cup semi-final since 1990 by beating Sweden 2-0.
But Andersson said his team was just not good enough to beat Gareth Southgate’s men, stating that his players tried their best ‘to even reach the competition’s last eight stage’.
“We weren’t just good enough to win the game. England are a strong team, especially at set-pieces,” Andersson said at a post-match conference.
“We even prepared for it, but unfortunately we got caught in one of them.
“Until that corner kick by Ashley Young which gave them the chance to take the lead, we were doing well and had the match under control.
“We even had the opportunity after the break to draw level, but we failed to do so.
“But, we did well overall, because it is not easy to even get to this stage.
“Altogether, we have had a good tournament; that is something to take back home,’’ he said.
On his future with the national team, Andersson said he was not worried at all because he had a contract with an option of an extension.
“I am not concerned about that now. I have an option of signing a new contract for two years before me. So, I am not worried at all now,’’ he said.
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