England 1-1 Sweden: Lionesses held to draw in first Euro 2025 qualifier

England’s defence of their European title bought off to a disappointing begin at Wembley Stadium as they had been held to a draw by Sweden in their first Euro 2025 qualifier.

It was an unconvincing efficiency from Sarina Wiegman’s aspect, who’ve been drawn in a tricky qualifying group with two of the world’s prime six and know they want to take benefit at residence.

In a repeat of the Euro 2022 semi-final, in which England thrashed Sweden 4-0, this was a way more evenly balanced encounter with Sweden carrying nice risk on the counter-attack.

England’s incapability to management possession led to a number of possibilities, together with an enormous one for Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius in the second half when she was performed in behind the hosts’ defence, solely to shoot large from shut vary.

Rolfo had earlier dragged a shot large from one other counter-attacking transfer and the Lionesses created little or no – two very late efforts from Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead had been their greatest possibilities of the match.

England’s qualification route shouldn’t be simple – solely the highest two groups from their group qualify routinely for subsequent summer time’s Euros in Switzerland, with the opposite two sides coming into the play-offs.

They additionally face France, ranked third in the world, they usually journey to Dublin on Tuesday to tackle the Republic of Ireland (19:30 BST kick-off).

More to comply with.