Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of tonight's Euro 2012 Group D encounter between Sweden and England in Kiev.
England earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw with France in their opening match of the tournament, while Sweden suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Ukraine.
A Swedish loss would all but eliminate them from the competition. Meanwhile, England would enter the final Group D game against Ukraine needing to win without securing all three points this evening.
England's 1-0 victory over Sweden at Wembley last November was their first over the Scandinavian nation in 43 years.
>Full team news can be found here
Note that kickoff is at 8pm.
21.55Our full report of the match can be found here. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the coverage!
21.53Oh my word. What a second half of football in Kiev. It was Andy Carroll who gave England the lead in the opening half, before two goals from Olof Mellberg sent Sweden 2-1 ahead. England drew level with a strike from Theo Walcott, before a clever flick from Danny Welbeck secured all three points. The result moves England into second spot in Group D. Meanwhile, Sweden are on their way home.
FULL-TIMESweden 2-3 England
90 min+2Chance! So nearly for England as Walcott finds Gerrard inside the box. However, it's a smart save from Isaksson.
90 min+2Still Sweden continue to attack. However, they are running out of time.
90 minWe have four minutes of additional time.
90 minBut Gerrard fires it high and wide.
90 minJust where England want it as they gain a free-kick on the edge of the Sweden box.
90 minChange for England as Welbeck is replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
89 minTerry does brilliant to stifle Rosenberg as the ball sails through to Hart. England have around three minutes to hold on.
87 min... sensational clearing header from Carroll. But still Sweden attack.
87 minFree-kick Sweden in a dangerous position...
85 minEngland just sitting back in the final 5 minutes of the match. It's a bad habit of theirs.
83 minLittle under 10 minutes remaining. Can Sweden respond once more?
83 minMight have been four for England as Welbeck finds Parker on the edge of the box. However, he fires horribly high.
81 minAnother change for Sweden as Elm makes way for Christian Wilhelmsson.
81 minEngland just keeping possession in the latter stages.
80 minChange for Sweden as Markus Rosenberg replaces Elmander.
78 minEngland lead! It's brilliant play from Walcott as he evades two defenders before finding Welbeck, who produces a brilliant flick into the net.
78 minGOAL! Sweden 2-3 England (Welbeck)
78 minSweden look the most likely here. They are dangerous on the attack.
76 minChance! Another wonderful opportunity for Sweden as Ibrahimovic strikes from distance, but Hart beats the ball away!
76 minChance! Simply wonderful from Martin Olsson as he evades Johnson and Gerrard before finding Kallstrom. However, the Lyon midfielder's effort is just wide.
74 min... however, Young's effort was always too high.
73 minEngland free-kick as Kallstrom fells Young outside the box...
73 minGood claim from Hart as he plucks a Kallstrom corner out of the air. England on the attack.
71 minChance! So nearly for England as Carroll strikes from distance. However, it just drifts high of the bar.
70 minWonderful strength from Ibrahimovic as he evades Johnson and Terry like they are simply not there. This match is so finely balanced.
68 minChance for Sweden as Ibrahimovic evades Terry. However, England clear the danger. The game is getting stretched now.
66 minOh my word what a second half this has been. Will we have a winner?!
65 minChange for Sweden as Mikael Lustig replaces Granqvist.
64 minWalcott brings England level with a terrific strike from distance! Game on!
64 minGOAL! Sweden 2-2 England (Walcott)
63 minOh my word! What a save from Isaksson as he denies a Terry header at close range. That's some save.
62 minSo nearly three for Sweden as Elmander plays in Ibrahimovic. However, his shot is straight at Hart. England are on the ropes here.
61 minMeanwhile, change for England as Theo Walcott replaces Milner.
60 minTwo goals in 10 minutes for Mellberg. What were the odds on that?
59 minSweden take the lead as Larsson whips a wonderful ball into the box, and Mellberg is on hand to head home from close range. There was simply no England challenge.
59 minGOAL! Sweden 2-1 England (Mellberg)
58 minYellow card for Milner after a clumsy challenge on Olsson. Sweden have their tails up here. They can sense blood.
57 minSuddenly it's all Sweden. This most certainly was not in the script.
56 minSweden advance straight down the other end, and only a wonderful tackle from Johnson denies Rasmus Elm.
56 minHalf-chance for England as Johnson searches out Carroll in the box. However, the striker's header is tame and collected by Isaksson.
54 minEngland just starting to force it as Gerrard searches out Cole. However, it breaks down once more.
54 minChance for England as Parker finds Gerrard on the edge of the area. However, his effort is charged down by Kallstrom.
52 minTwo crunching challenges from Mellberg as he gains possession for his team. How good has he been tonight?!
52 minEngland just settle with possession as they come to terms with the shock of that goal.
50 minJust like that England lose the lead once more. What a 40 minutes of football ahead.
50 minSweden are back on level terms as Mellberg pops up in the area to turn the ball in from close range.
49 minGOAL! Sweden 1-1 England (Mellberg)
48 minFree-kick Sweden in a dangerous position as Carroll fells Kallstrom.
48 minThe simple fact of the matter is that Sweden simply cannot lose this match. They must attack. And they are.
46 minEarly pressure from Sweden at the start of the second half.
46 minHere we go then. England start us off in the second period. Can Sweden respond?
21.00And Alan Shearer: "Two bits of tremendous quality summed that half up for England. Andy Carroll must have been dreaming of a ball like the one delivered by Steven Gerrard and it was a great header. Sweden are there for the taking. They just need to have a bit more composure on the ball. They are getting enough of it so they need to use it."
21.00More from Alan Hansen: "Roy Hodgson takes the plaudits for picking Andy Carroll and it was a great ball from Steven Gerrard finished off by a top header. We are watching two average sides, and it has been a bitty and fragmented match. England can run out convincing winners here."
20.47So there we have it. An Andy Carroll header after 23 minutes gives England a 1-0 lead at the break against Sweden. In truth, there has been very few chances for either side, with Sweden more than happy to camp on the edge of their own box. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had a couple of sighters for the Swedes, but no more than that. Our report of the opening 45 minutes can be found here.
HALF-TIMESweden 0-1 England
45 minWe will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
44 minWonderful play from Welbeck as he evades the Sweden defence. However, Mellberg answers back with a terrific last-ditch challenge.
42 minHalf-chance for England as Gerrard releases Milner down the right. However, the Manchester City midfielder's cross is overhit.
42 minThe match has certainly slowed as we approach the end of the opening half.
40 minA word from former England boss Graham Taylor on the BBC: "Sweden have come back at England again after going 1-0 down to a very good goal. But I repeat - it's like watching a Premier League club game. Neither team seems prepared to change something to see if they can get on top. It's an even game."
38 minWow. Stinging effort from Kallstrom just goes high of the England bar. Sweden remain a threat.
37 minChance for England as Ashley Cole releases Young down the left. However, the Manchester United winger just fires wide of the target.
35 minAgain it's nice play from England on the edge of the Sweden box. However, the final ball just evades Gerrard.
33 minChance for Sweden as Ibrahimovic evades two defenders before striking on goal. However, it's quite comfortable for Hart. There's the warning.
32 minA word from former England striker Gary Lineker: "In the battle of the ponytails Andy Carroll uses his to great effect. Come on England."
30 minOf the last eight goals that Sweden have conceded, seven have been headers. That's why Carroll is in the team.
28 minEngland continue to enjoy possession of the ball as the match approaches the 30 minute mark.
26 minSweden immediately attack from the restart. However, Martin Olsson's cross is overhit.
24 minTalk about route one! England just about deserve the lead. However, this one is far from over.
24 minEngland lead! It's a wonderful cross from Gerrard as he picks out the head of Carroll - who thumps it into the top corner.
23 minGOAL! Sweden 0-1 England (Carroll)
22 minWonderful strength from Ibrahimovic as he evades Terry like he isn't there. However, his final ball is lacking. End-to-end stuff at the moment.
20 minBut just like that Ibrahimovic shows his wonderful side. The big man releases a 30-yard drive. However, Hart collects the danger.
20 minIt's poor from Ibrahimovic as he releases a lazy ball across the pitch straight to Young. England remain with possession.
18 minSo nearly a chance for Sweden as Larsson switches the play to Ibrahimovic. However, it's good covering from Glen Johnson as he clears the danger.
16 minSighter for England as James Milner searches out Welbeck in the box. However, the striker's header just drifted wide.
16 minSweden just beginning to settle into this match with a strong period of possession. They've certainly got players who can cause England danger.
14 minJust the one sighter from England with that Parker drive from distance. Likewise for Sweden with Larsson's effort.
14 minSweden seem more than happy to just sit in and absorb the early pressure here. Meanwhile, England are certainly more attacking than their previous match against France.
12 minStinging drive from Larsson outside the box. However, Hart gathers the ball and restarts another England attack.
10 minFirst sign of a link-up between Welbeck and Carroll before the latter is felled by Mellberg.
10 minNothing much for Sweden thus far, with a couple of possession spells breaking down in the England half.
10 minIt's been a good start from England. Nice and tidy, and they are carrying a threat.
8 minSwede Jonas Olsson wins the first aerial battle with Carroll. Meanwhile, Scott Parker tests the palms of Andreas Isaksson with a strike from distance.
6 minAgain it's nice possession from England around the Sweden box. However, it's all far too compact.
6 minIbrahimovic is operating behind Elmander in the early stages of this match. Well, he could play anywhere.
4 minIt's nice possession work between Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young. However, the move breaks down. It's all a bit tight in the middle.
3 minIt's Sweden with the early pressure in the England half. However, Sebastian Larsson knocks the ball straight out of play.
2 minAnd quickly it's Carroll again giving away another free-kick. Calm down Andy, calm.
2 minFirst foul of the day as Carroll crashes into Andreas Granqvist. Let's hope the referee doesn't blow for those all game.
1 minHere we go then. Sweden get us underway.
19.58Handshakes and pleasantries over - let's play football.
19.56Now it's Sweden's turn.
19.56Here we go with the national anthems. England first.
19.54The players are emerging onto the pitch. Prepare to suffer for the next 90 minutes or so!
19.52We are barely 10 minutes away from kickoff. What a fantastic match in prospect. There's nothing more each boss can say now - it's over to the players.
19.50Here's a stat courtesy of Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "Ashley Cole plays his 20th match at major tournament (Euros and WC), equalling the most ever by an English player: David Beckham and Peter Shilton." Cole may not be the most popular of men - but he is the best left-back in the world.
19.48A word from former England striker Michael Owen on Twitter: "Fingers crossed for England tonight. Not convinced if we are playing a straight 4-4-2. May get away with it tonight but I'm sure the manager will change the system against a top team. Just hope we haven't underestimated the Swedes. The last World Cup proved that even against inferior teams, if you get the system wrong and lose the midfield battle then you are in trouble at this level."
19.46France have beaten Ukraine 2-0 in Group D's other encounter. That sends the French to the top of the group.
19.44We haven't really seen the best of Sweden midfielder Kim Kallstrom thus far. He's got such lovely ability on the ball, and he could have a serious impact tonight.
19.42James Milner will also have a key role to play for England. He must give protection to Glen Johnson on the right.
19.40What are the key areas tonight then? Olof Mellberg vs. Andy Carroll will be some aerial battle. Meanwhile, Svensson will seemingly be asked to deal with the threat of Steven Gerrard.
19.38It looks like Shearer agrees with me regarding Ibrahimovic: "Anyone that doesn't like Zlatan, should look at his record both at international level and club. His style is lazy and he has a good arrogance about him but he has a great touch in the Teddy Sheringham role just in behind the striker and can shoot with both feet. For me he is a top player. Roy Hodgson will have mentioned him a few times this week."
19.36A word from Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter: "I'm going for England win 2-0 people!"
19.34I think one thing is for certain. England simply must show more attacking intent this evening.
19.31And former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen: "I think if England play well, they win. The manager and players both think that. They are better than their Swedish counterparts and I disappointed with the in their first match. They were poor defensively, and will have joy tonight if can get service to Danny Welbeck and Andy Carroll. Roy Hodgson has been aggressive in his line-up. Carroll looks stronger and fitter than he was at the start of the season," he told the BBC.
19.28Here's a word from former England striker Alan Shearer: "There is lots of room for improvement, particularly going forward. One effort on target is not good enough and our wide play was poor so delivery is key tonight. Defensively, England weren't tested but they will be tonight. I am delighted to see Ashley Young on the left, he didn't have his best game against France but tonight he will move it to his right and whip it in. This game is made for Andy Carroll, both offensively and defensively. We can't play the way Spain do, we are not good enough but we need to get the ball out wide and get the ball into the box, that is where we will get the joy. The strikers will be rubbing their hands," he told the BBC.
19.26The Swedish skipper has scored goals at the top level in Spain and Italy. He scores goals, and wins titles. And for me that would always be enough. The 30-year-old knows that the English don't like him, and he will be out for revenge this evening.
19.24The danger to England? Well it comes from Ibrahimovic. He certainly has his critics, but for me, he is just wonderful.
19.22You just get the feeling that England simply have to win this evening. They certainly do not want to enter the last match against Ukraine needing a victory.
19.20What has former England defender Martin Keown had to say I here you ask? Well...: "The English fans might be outnumbered but I'm sure they will make plenty of noise. It's great news for them that Andy Carroll is coming into the side as it sends out an attacking message. He is awesome in the air. It's cool here and I think we'll see a high tempo England performance. I've seen the players close up and they are really up for it. I was speaking to [former Arsenal team-mate and ex-Sweden international] Freddie Ljungberg today and he is a worried man," he told the BBC.
19.18Suspended Wayne Rooney also had his say on the match earlier today on Twitter: "Excited for game later. It's definitely more nervous watching rather than playing. Tough game. Hopefully get a good result."
19.16Four out of the last five meetings between Sweden and England have ended in a draw. Sweden have also scored in 11 of their last 12 games - which points to an open encounter this evening.
19.14Here's a word from England boss Roy Hodgson on Carroll's inclusion: "It's important to get another forward player on the field tonight and more importantly I wanted Ashley Young to go back to his original position, which is as a wide player, with a view to Wayne Rooney coming back into the team against Ukraine. Alex [Oxlade-Chamberlain] did well in the first game but I thought it would be a good idea to give him a chance from the bench rather than the start. Andy Carroll will be useful to us in both penalty boxes. Against a team with the height and power of Sweden we needed as much aerial height as possible," he told the BBC.
19.12Meanwhile, France now lead Ukraine 2-0. They look on course for the quarter-finals.
19.12Tweet tweet. Here's former England defender Gareth Southgate: "If I was in the dressing room I would be saying let's just win our game and not worry about rest. But as a fan half the fun is the permutations."
19.10A word from light-welterweight boxer Amir Khan on Twitter: "Hope England can do it today! I'm going for a 2-1 win...think Welbeck's gonna score. What you guys saying?"
19.08France have just taken the lead against Ukraine in the 53rd minute of the action. You can follow our live commentary of the game here.
19.06Meanwhile, 17 of Sweden's last 20 goals at European Championship finals have come in the second half of games. Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck for them on Monday, taking his number of goals to 32 for his country.
19.04England stopper Joe Hart also made more saves than any other goalkeeper - six - which tells its own story.
19.02England were remarkably the only side without a single shot from their strikers in the first round of Euro 2012 games. Four of their five attempts came from defenders - scary huh?
19.00Sweden, meanwhile, surrendered a 1-0 lead against Ukraine to lose 2-1, and consequently sit bottom of Group D entering this particular match.
18.58As mentioned, England opened up their campaign with a 1-1 draw with France. In truth, the French dominated all aspects of play, but it was England's defensive cohesion that impressed.
18.56Right, looking ahead to the match. Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has form in Sweden. He began his managerial carrer with Halmstad - leading them to the league title in 1976 and 1979.
18.54Meanwhile, Sweden have made three changes from Monday's match with Ukraine. Right-back Mikael Lustig makes way for Jonas Olsson and Anders Svensson comes in for Ola Toivonen. Finally, Johan Elmander replaces Markus Rosenberg.
18.52So there we have it. As expected, Andy Carroll comes into the team to partner Danny Welbeck in attack. Meanwhile, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drops to the bench.
18.50Team News: England: Hart; Johnson, Terry, Lescott, Cole; Milner, Gerrard, Parker, Young; Carroll, Welbeck
18.50Team News: Sweden: Isaksson; Granqvist, Mellberg, J Olsson, M Olsson; Larsson, Svensson, Kallstrom, Elm; Ibrahimovic, Elmander
18.50The omens certainly do not look good for England this evening. The Three Lions have never beaten Sweden in a World Cup or European Championship match. Drawing five and losing two of those encounters.
18.49Ukraine and France are currently tied at 0-0 at the break. Our report of which can be found here.
18.47Rest assured, the match will go ahead. Team news for both sides is expected within the next 15 minutes. Stay with us for the ins and outs!
18.45Just a reminder that tonight's kickoff has been delayed by 15 minutes due to severe weather conditions stopping the play between Ukraine and France.
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