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

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

It was an unconvincing efficiency from Sarina Wiegman’s facet, who’ve been drawn in a tricky qualifying group with two of the world’s high six and know they should take benefit at dwelling.

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

England’s lack of ability to regulate possession led to a number of probabilities, together with an enormous one for Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius within the second half when she was performed in behind the hosts’ defence, solely to shoot extensive from shut vary.

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

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

Additionally they face France, ranked third on this planet, and so they journey to Dublin on Tuesday to tackle the Republic of Eire (19:30 BST kick-off).

Extra to observe.