Jacqui Oatley joined Joe Molloy after England beat Sweden 4-0 in the semi-final of Euro 2022.
England are encroaching on unexplored ground in international football.
Following on from the men's success in their own European Championships, the England women's team reached the final of Euro 2022 on Tuesday night. England beat Sweden 4-0. It was a startling result because of the quality of the opposition.
Sweden are a perennial powerhouse of international football. Jacqui Oatley explains how they lost to England.
"They're the second highest-ranked team in the whole world," Oatley said.
"They're only behind the United States, who they beat 3-0 at the Olympics last Summer. Sweden were just a penalty kick away from winning gold in that tournament. And they're the highest-ranked side in Europe of course.
"They have so many experienced players. This was the time for this squad to really flourish and to finally become the brides instead of the bridesmaids they've perennially been."
Sweden weren't particularly impressive through the tournament before losing to England in the semi-final. They dealt with different injuries before being hit by Covid, straining the depth of the squad. Sweden are more of a top-heavy team than England are. They didn't have the depth to cope with their losses.
While Sweden will be dismayed by the 4-0 loss, it could be a watershed moment for English football.
According to Oatley, one woman deserves more credit than anyone for its occurrence.
"The gameplan worked to perfection. This doesn't normally happen, but I think the missing ingredient now, as well as the full-time professionalism, the development of the WSL and the influx of support from the FA, as well as all that they have the missing piece of the jigsaw which is the manager Sarina Wiegman.
"An absolute top-class operator in everything that she does. She lifted this trophy in 2017 with her home nation."
England will face either Germany or France in the final.
David Collins on his son Nathan growing up.
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