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England’s Gareth Southgate managing “high” expectations set on team

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England manager Gareth Southgate is trying to manage expectations ahead of his team’s quarter final game against Sweden on Saturday afternoon.

England fans are still in a state of happy shock after the Three Lions triumphed in a nail-bitingly tense 4-3 penalty shootout to beat Colombia in the knockout round. The game against Sweden in Samara is England’s first quarter final since 2006.

Manager Gareth Southgate says their opponents are older and more experienced, but that they have to make the most of this opportunity. He says it’s hard to contain the excitement here.

The team, including top goal scorer captain Harry Kane, is said to be fighting fit and England are the bookmaker’s favorite to win against Sweden. If they do it will be onto the semi-finals for the first time since 1990 – and they’ll face Croatia – or hosts Russia on Wednesday.

Southgate has named an unchanged side for the quarter-final clash against Sweden.

While Sebastian Larsson is back from suspension to take his place in the Sweden midfield. Emil Krafth makes his first start of the competition with right-back Mikael Lustig suspended.

England have won just once in eight competitive meetings with Sweden, triumphing 3-2 in the group stage at Euro 2012. – Additional Reporting AFP

READ: Preview: England can’t underestimate Sweden, says Stones

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