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 1-0 Sweden
55 mins: Alessia Russo is called offside for a lovely run in-behind. It looked very very close. England’s turn for a bit of possession now, as Stanway skips past one challenge and wins a foul.
Grace Clinton comes off for Ella Toone. The former will be extremely happy with an assured, competent performance.
England 1-0 Sweden
54 mins: James and Walsh combine to win it back from a dangerous-looking attack, and Hemp breaks free down the right. She cuts her run inside and attempts a reverse pass, but it’s cut out.
Ella Toone is getting ready on the sidelines.
England 1-0 Sweden
52 mins: Sweden win their fourth corner of the game after Wubben-Moy tackles Arsenal teammate Blackstenius. England clear once again.
England 1-0 Sweden
51 mins: England have struggled to keep possession so far in the second half, but they’ve not really been troubled yet.
England 1-0 Sweden
49 mins: Sweden attack once more as Blackstenius holds off Greenwood. Andersson and Rolfo exchange passes, but Lucy Bronze does well to win it back.
England 1-0 Sweden
48 mins: Asllani finds herself in acres of space and she delivers a nice cross, but Greenwood clears.
England 1-0 Sweden
47 mins: England are happy to let Sweden have it in their half as we begin the second period.
England 1-0 Sweden
KICK-OFF! Alessia Russo gets the half started. No changes from either side.
HALF-TIME: England 1-0 Sweden
England head into the tunnel after a half that showed a lot of promise, but one that also will remind them of Sweden’s ever-present threat.
Lauren James’ cross for Alessia Russo’s goal capped off a fantastically worked move, and the home side had a couple more chances that just lacked that final bit of quality.
The away side gave a good account of themselves, will some lovely exchanges in the England half. They nearly worked a couple of great opportunities, but England’s defence has held firm so far.
The teams are coming back out of the tunnel for the second half. England would definitely take a similar half to the first, with maybe a little more ruthlessness.
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