Sweden 2 England 3: Danny Welbeck hails Three Lions spirit

Danny Welbeck hailed England’s “togetherness” after he grabbed the winner as the Three Lions came from behind to defeat Sweden for the first time in a competitive fixture.

Andy Carroll gave Roy Hodgson’s men the lead in the 23rd minute when he nodded home captain Steven Gerrard’s pinpoint cross.

But Sweden battled back after the break as Olof Mellberg slid home an equaliser and then nodded his country ahead from a Sebastian Larsson free-kick.

Substitute Theo Walcott restored parity when his 25-yard effort deceived Andreas Isaksson in the Sweden goal, before Welbeck flicked home the winner from the Arsenal winger’s cross.

“I’m obviously happy with the finish and to get the three points for the team but quite disappointed to let two goals in at the start of the second half,” he told BBC Sport.

“I think we came back well, stuck together and the team spirit showed. When we went behind we still had the belief.”

Welbeck also reserved special praise for Walcott, whose introduction made the difference in the second half.

“We all know the ability Theo’s got and it’s spread out right across the squad,” he added. “Whoever comes on the pitch is going to make a difference and I’m very happy for Theo.”

The victory means the Three Lions need only a point from their final Group D game against Ukraine to book a spot in the quarter-finals. Sweden, meanwhile, are eliminated after losing their opening two games.

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