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 0-0 Sweden
13 mins: Lauren James is yet to really get into the game, and can’t once more as Earps’ ball out goes out of play.
Keira Walsh plays it into Russo, who spreads it wide. Stanway and Bronze interchange passes but Sweden manage to cut it out.
England 0-0 Sweden
11 mins: Clinton does well to turn out of trouble, and England re-work the ball. Sweden do win it back though, but England are unlucky not to get the foul.
England 0-0 Sweden
10 mins: Sweden do well to win the fall back deep in the England half, but they can’t make anything of it. Clinton is briefly down after a challenge, but she’s fine.
England 0-0 Sweden
8 mins: Russo looks like she’ll be able to carry on. Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson is moaning on the sidelines.
The ball in from the free-kick comes to Clinton and she tries a difficult volley, but it goes wide.
England 0-0 Sweden
5 mins: Russo had her foot clipped in the challenge there, and is still receiving treatment. Chloe Kelly is among those warming up on the sidelines.
England 0-0 Sweden
4 mins: England win a dangerous free-kick after Eriksson goes through the back of Russo. The Arsenal forward has stayed down and is receiving treatment.
England 0-0 Sweden
3 mins: First corner of the game after Charles puts the ball out, and England do well to clear. Sweden have been on top in the opening stages.
England vs Sweden LIVE
1 min: Almost a chance for Sweden as Kaneryd fizzes a ball in towards Blackstenius, but the Arsenal striker can’t get clear contact.
England vs Sweden LIVE
KICK-OFF! Both sets of players take the knee before Sweden get us underway.
England’s defence of their European Championship trophy begins!
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