England vs. Sweden will fight it out in Group D's second match on Friday, with both knowing a loss for either team would all but end their Euro 2012 hopes of progressing to the quarter finals. The game can be watched live on ESPN 2, or fans can catch the match online through live streaming via ESPN 3 (details below).

There were mixed reactions to England's first performance; the 1-1 draw against France. Some thought it was a good result, considering the England team was managerless just over a month ago, as well as the fact that they've lost a string of key players to injury in the run up to the tournament. On top of all that, their best player Wayne Rooney is suspended for their first two games following his red card in the final qualifying game.

However, others were critical of England's tactics of prioritizing not giving the French good opportunities to score, and willingness to keep players behind the ball and allow France to keep possession for long periods.

One of England's fiercest critics has been Sweden captain Jonas Thern, who has said, "Their style of play is predictable."

"I said before the Euro finals started that Sweden would beat England and I stand by that statement despite the horrific display against the Ukraine," he added. ""England's performance [against France] had none of the quality they like to boast it had."

Sweden are also a bit of a bogey team for England, and they have not been able to record a win against the Swedes in seven consecutive competitive matches, dating back to 1988.

However, Sweden have their own problems to deal with. The team was bludgeoned by their own media for a "gutless" performance in their opening game against Ukraine. Sweden were expected to win that game, which many saw as their easiest group match, however, they lost the game 2-1.

The Swedes are being criticized for their vulnerability in the air, conceding numerous goals from set pieces in recent games. Six of the last seven goals Sweden have conceded have been through headers. Oppositely, England are extremely confident in the air and will see it as one of their strengths. England will try to capitalize on this aspect to overturn the Swedes.

New England manager, Roy Hodgson, who is in only his second competitive game as England manager (and only his fourth in total), has commented in the build up to the game, "Their major weapon is Ibrahimovic - he is one of the best strikers in European football."

The game kicks off at 2.45 p.m. ET and can be watched live on ESPN 2 or through online live stream on ESPN 3 by clicking HERE.

Tags
Euro 2012, European Championship