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World Cup 2018: Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs Sweden to beat England and insists they can lift trophy

Sweden overcame Switzerland in the last 16 and Zlatan stands by his claim before the tournament his country can become the first Scandinavians to become world champions

SWEDEN can beat England and even go on to win the World Cup, according to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Three Lions face the Scandinavians tomorrow in Samara for a place in the semi-final against Croatia or Russia next Wednesday.

 Zlatan insists Sweden can beat England and go on to win World Cup
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Zlatan insists Sweden can beat England and go on to win World CupCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Sweden face England in the World Cup quarter-final
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Sweden face England in the World Cup quarter-finalCredit: AFP

And the Swedes all-time leading goal-scorer with 62 strikes in 116 games insists his fellow countrymen can handle the pressure against Gareth Southgate’s side.

The L.A Galaxy striker told : "Now it's not just about how good you are.

“Now there are a lot of emotions in the picture, because it's about quarter-finals.

“The team that can handle their feelings best will have an advantage.

 Zlatan was speaking to ESPN magazine
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Zlatan was speaking to ESPN magazineCredit: ESPN
 Zlatan retired from international football two years ago
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Zlatan retired from international football two years agoCredit: Reuters

"Yes, I think Sweden can become world champion, just like I said before the World Cup started.

“They beat Mexico, which was strong, and then they defeated Switzerland as well. So they have had success, as nobody thought they would."

The ex-Manchester United man flirted with making an international comeback after two years.

However, Sweden, led by Janne Anderson are enjoying their best campaign since coming third at USA 94.

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 Zlatan joined LA Galaxy from Manchester United earlier this year
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Zlatan joined LA Galaxy from Manchester United earlier this yearCredit: Getty - Contributor

Zlatan added: “Now it's about England on Saturday and we are all there with our full support behind them.

“All the Swedes in the world are proud of our national team and they will continue to be proud, regardless of how it goes.

"I'm Swedish and I believe in Sweden against England, so we'll see what David Beckham says when I talk to him.”

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