Britain's heir to the throne, Prince William, has congratulated England's women's football team on reaching the European Championship final on home soil after beating Sweden.

"Congratulations to the Lionesses on reaching the Euro 2022 final on Sunday," he wrote on Twitter Tuesday night after the game.

After a furious performance in the semi-finals in Sheffield, the English women had prevailed 4-0 (1-0) against Sweden.

They are in the final of the European Championship for the first time since 2009.

“The whole country is so proud of everything you guys achieve.

We believe in you and will support you to the end.” As usual, William signed his personal message with a W.

Even before the game in Sheffield, where Beth Mead (34'), Lucy Bronze (48'), Alessia Russo (68') - with a dream goal with a back heel - and Fran Kirby (76') scored for the Lionesses, had the prince wished the team of coach Sarina Wiegman every success.

"The whole country is behind you," wrote the 40-year-old football fan who is also the president of the Football Association of England.

England will face Germany or France in the final on Sunday at London's Wembley Stadium.

The opponent will be determined on Wednesday evening (9 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the European Football Championship and on ZDF) in Milton Keynes.

In front of 28,624 enthusiastic spectators in the Bramall Lane stadium, Sweden, second in the world rankings, got off to a better start and put England under pressure early on.

England goalkeeper Mary Earps had to clear a shot by former Bayern player Sofia Jakobsson in the first minute.

Stina Blackstenius later hit the crossbar.

England initially struggled, especially offensively.

Unbeaten in 19 games

It was only after Mead scored the opening goal that the hosts took control.

Mead also provided the assist for Bronze's header to make it 2-0.

Substitute Russo later found Hedvig Lindahl free in front of goal, but then converted the rebound and tunneled the Swedish keeper with a remarkable back-heel.

Sweden was beaten and Lindahl missed Kirby's shot from 20 yards.

After semi-final defeats at the previous two European Championships, England, who are now unbeaten in 19 matches, could win their first major tournament title.

In 1984 they lost the European Championship final against Sweden and in 2009 against Germany.

In 2015, the Lionesses finished third at the World Championships.