England vs Sweden LIVE: Lionesses result and final score from Euro 2025 qualifier at Wembley
England 1-1 Sweden: Fridolina Rolfo’s header cancelled out Alessia Russo’s opening goal as the Lionesses were held at Wembley
England were held to a draw by Sweden in their opening game of the Euro 2025 qualifiers as the Lionesses began the defence of their European crown with a point at Wembley.
Alessia Russo’s opening goal, set up by wonderful play from Lauren James, was cancelled out in the second half by Fridolina Rolfo’s back-post header.
Both sides had chances to win the match, with Stina Blackstenius missing a one-on-one for the visitors before Lauren Hemp had an effort cleared off the line.
It means the Lionesses face an uphill battle to claim one of two automatic qualifying spots for next summer’s Euros. After a change to the qualifying format, the Lionesses will take on France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in Group A3.
England 1-1 Sweden
91 mins: Mead is the latest to swing in a cross, but Falk collects.
Wiegman looks irritated on the sideline.
England 1-1 Sweden
88 mins: England still pushing as we approach the end of normal time! Kelly gets a second chance at a cross but Lucy Bronze’s ball is wasteful.
Sweden manage to win a goal kick as the board goes up for three additional minutes.
England 1-1 Sweden
86 mins: England continue to press for a winner, with Ella Toone heavily involved since she came on. They fashion a great chance as Walsh plays Hemp in behind the Sweden defence. Hemp hits the shot first time and it’s saved – she gets a chance on the rebound but it’s deflected behind for a corner!
In the meantime, Blackstenius, who earlier missed a bit of a sitter, comes off for Anvegard, and Rolfo comes off for Janogy.
England 1-1 Sweden
84 mins: Stanway spreads it wide to Chloe Kelly. Her cross is a little wayward and it’s cleared, but England come again.
England 1-1 Sweden
82 mins: Sweden would presumably be pretty happy with a point in their first qualification game in these circumstances, but you wouldn’t know it as they continue to attack.
England certainly aren’t happy yet, with Mead clipping in an inviting ball to the back post, but Hemp had made a front-post run instead.
England 1-1 Sweden
80 mins: Toone has been bright since coming on, but she gave it away cheaply there to end an England attack.
Wubben-Moy fouls Blackstenius on halfway; the latest challenge in the battle between the two Arsenal teammates.
England 1-1 Sweden
78 mins: Another tidy attack from England as Kelly receives the ball in the box, and her cutback nearly reaches Lucy Bronze, but Rytting Kaneryd does well to cut it out and launch a counter.
England 1-1 Sweden
77 mins: A bit of a lull in activity as the subs from both sides settle. England take the chance to make two more; Chloe Kelly comes on for Alessia Russo, while Jess Carter comes on for Charles.
England 1-1 Sweden
75 mins: Sweden make a change as Elin Rubensson comes on for Angeldahl. Sweden attack again but Blackstenius is tackled as she attempts to cut inside.
England 1-1 Sweden
74 mins: Some great play from England as Russo is strong in the challenge and retains possession. She lays it back to Mead who slips in a lovely through ball behind the defence to Toone. Unfortunately, the Manchester United midfielder’s cutback can’t find an England shirt.
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