ENGLAND qualified for their first World Cup semi-final for 28 years after a convincing 2 - 0 win against Sweden.

There were some questions asked of Gareth Southgate's men, so what did we learn from the game?

Harry Maguire put England ahead in the first half, before Dele Alli finished with a fine header to seal the game in the second period.

1. England can play another way

Sweden posed a very different threat to England's previous opponents in the tournament so far. The Swede's set up with a 4-4-2 formation and looked to hit England quick with long balls from the back. The system the team in yellow adopted meant that England were forced to dominate more of the ball. But the defence, marshalled brilliantly by an ever growing Jordan Pickford dealt well with the attacking threat posed by Berg and Toivonen.

2. Our defenders are growing with every game

The England defence is looking really promising for this tournament, let alone for the future. Every single member of the back 5 has played an integral part in front of Pickford in goal. Harry Maguire deserves large praise after his performance in the game, he dealt with the balls into the box brilliantly. His header for the first England goal was again just another example of how fantastic this side are at attacking the ball in the air.

3. Dele Alli will have a bigger influence in our next game

The young Tottenham man has had a topsy turvy tournament so far. However his goal was absolutely integral to sealing the match for England, he will definitely take a lot of confidence from that performance. Obviously had his injury woes so far in the competition, but now he is looking fresh and really promising for an exciting tie in the semi-final.

Picture courtesy of Owen Humphreys/PA.

4. Set-piece specialists

Another goal from a set-play for Gareth Southgate's side. When will opposition learn... they can't defend against England at set-plays. The movement that the team has when we are attacking corners in this tournament has been superb. Credit must go to Southgate and his coaching staff, but also to the players who have been making fantastic runs on a continuous basis. Trippier and Young's delivery on these set-plays has been the best at the tournament without a doubt.

5. Trippier, Kane or Pickford?

Who has been our most influential player in this tournament? Who can decide? Harry Kane is definitely our talisman, but Kieran Trippier and Jordan Pickford have been absolute revelations. Trippier's ability on the ball and his willingness to get forward has been a real breath of fresh air. Pickford also deserves a mention, following his penalty saving exploits earlier this week he is now starting to grow in stature. Made some big saves at key moments. However our captain Harry Kane was instrumental in our victory. Six goals in this tournament already, he is the best forward at the World Cup without a doubt.