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
28 mins: Sweden haven’t had a clear-cut chance since the goal, and England continue to apply pressure.
Rolfo slides it through to Asllani, but the latter is offside.
A reminder that there is no VAR tonight.
England 1-0 Sweden
27 mins: England have a decent chance for another but Stanway’s long-range effort is a little wild.
The home side are dominating possession now.
GOAL! England 1-0 Sweden
24 mins: And the home side are ahead! England pick up the ball straight away, and Russo does well to hold it up. England spread the ball to Lauren James, who stands up Andersson and clips in a lovely cross, which Russo tucks away with a diving header.
England 0-0 Sweden
23 mins: Nothing comes directly from the corner, but England keep the ball. Greenwood plays a lovely ball into the box but Sembrant does well to intercept.
England 0-0 Sweden
22 mins: England almost had an opportunity straight after Sweden’s, but the away side manage to intercept.
Shortly after, Hemp does well to run at the defence and win England’s first corner of the night.
England 0-0 Sweden
20 mins: A loose pass in midfield gifts Sweden a chance! Rolfo is played through with a tidy though ball, and she surges into the box. She unleashes a shot across goal, but it goes narrowly wide of the far post.
England 0-0 Sweden
19 mins: Sarina Wiegman doesn’t look too pleased on the sidelines. There’s not a lot between the sides at the moment.
18 mins: Clinton wins a foul on halfway after taking down an excellent ball from Greenwood, which received a bit of Sweden pressure. England are in a spell of sustained possession now.
16 mins: Lundkvist delivers a decent cross but England do well to clear, and James wins a free-kick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments