England are through to the World Cup semifinal for the first time since the 1990 edition in Italy after they defeated Sweden 2-0 in their quarterfinal clash at the ongoing tournament in Russia.

The Three Lions started the game as favourites and they lived up to that billing as goals from Harry Maguire and Dele Alli either side of the halftime interval propelled Gareth Southgate’s team into the World Cup last four for the first time in 28 years.

After a cagey opening half hour, Leicester City defender Harry Maguire powered England into the lead from a bullet header before Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli produced another header on the cusp of the hour mark to put the former winners in a fantastic position.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford thereafter kept Sweden at bay with some impressive saves to preserve the result for his side until the final whistle.

With the result, Sweden lose a World Cup quarterfinal game for the first time since the 1934 edition in Italy.

England will now face winner of the last quarterfinal clash between Croatia and hosts Russia in the second semifinal on Wednesday evening.