England have been held to a draw by Sweden of their opening sport of the Euro 2025 qualifiers because the Lionesses started the defence of their European crown with some extent at Wembley.
Alessia Russo’s opening objective, arrange by fantastic play from Lauren James, was cancelled out within the second half by Fridolina Rolfo’s back-post header.
Either side had probabilities to win the match, with Stina Blackstenius lacking a one-on-one for the guests earlier than Lauren Hemp had an effort cleared off the road.
It means the Lionesses face an uphill battle to say one in all two automated qualifying spots for subsequent summer season’s Euros. After a change to the qualifying format, the Lionesses will tackle France, Sweden and the Republic of Eire in Group A3.
England can’t depend on Lauren James alone to outlive Euro qualifiers ‘group of demise’
The highway to England’s Euros defence started the place their wait to win a serious worldwide event had ended, and with a right away show of why the trail to Switzerland goes to be removed from simple. Within the opening sport of the European qualifiers at Wembley, the Lionesses have been held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden in a consequence that leaves the European champions on the again foot from the beginning of their bid to safe one in all two automated spots from this terribly early ‘group of demise’.
Sweden gained not less than some revenge for his or her 4-0 hammering within the semi-finals of the Euros two years in the past, displaying much more resilience and defensive organisation than they managed within the golden summer season the place England claimed residence glory at Wembley. Some extent was the least that the guests deserved after Fridolina Rolfo’s back-post header cancelled out Alessia Russo’s first-half opener. They might have gained it, too: when Stina Blackstenius was put via on objective however failed to check Mary Earps.
Jamie Braidwood5 April 2024 22:58
England rue missed alternatives as qualifying marketing campaign begins with a draw
So England are left to rue some sloppy play and missed probabilities as they will solely handle a draw of their opening sport of what guarantees to be a troublesome qualifying marketing campaign for Euro 2025.
The house facet have been fortunate to flee going 2-1 down when Blackstenius squandered a superb alternative, however total the sport was sloppy and disjointed in a number of components from the hosts. On ITV, Ian Wright known as the sport “very poor, particularly within the midfield space, the place we very sloppy”.
“We may have misplaced that sport,” he added.
With France beating the Republic of Eire within the group’s different sport, the Lionesses will journey to Dublin on Tuesday in want of a press release win and three factors.
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:56
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:50
Sarina Wegmann speaks to ITV
Sarina Wiegman is subsequent to talk to ITV.
She calls it “a troublesome sport in opposition to a really robust opponent”, including that England “struggled a bit” at occasions, particularly with how Sweden pressed.
“We may have executed higher with our choice making on the ball however we discovered it onerous. They defended very well.
“We have been struggling at moments to get the excessive press however we needed to cope with the qualities they confirmed.
“The objective we conceded was actually pointless, the throw was pointless and we didn’t press the cross sufficient.
“We have been fortunate after the objective as a result of we weren’t capable of cease the lengthy ball. We have now to do these issues higher.”
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:22
How the group is shaping up
Within the different sport in England’s qualifying group, the Republic of Eire slipped to a slender 1-0 loss to France.
The consequence means England sit third of their group, stage on factors with Sweden in fact.
The Lionesses journey to Dublin needing a win on Tuesday, whereas Sweden play France earlier that day.
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:17
Alessia Russo speaks to ITV
Alessia Russo is the primary in entrance of the cameras.
She calls Sweden “a prime facet”, including that she thinks “it’s disappointing however we’ve come up in opposition to a robust facet”.
“We’ll replicate and study and prepare to go once more on Tuesday.
“Our requirements are excessive, we all know we will demand increased of one another. We are going to personal that however throughout the board there have been decrease requirements that we will enhance on.
“They pressed us nicely, it’s not a straightforward sport. We struggled to determine the issues however we did get a draw.
“Each consequence and each level counts.”
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:16
What’s subsequent for both sides?
England will now journey to Dublin to tackle the Republic of Eire on Tuesday at 7.30pm.
Sweden face France in one other troublesome tie, with that residence sport kicking off at 6pm.
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:12
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 22:08
FULL-TIME! England 1-1 Sweden
And that brings an finish to England’s opening qualifier for Euro 2025. Sarina Wingman’s facet will probably be disenchanted with only one level, although in reality there have been fortunate that Blackstenius did not convert a golden alternative to win it.
General lots to take positives from – they’ll know that a bit extra accuracy, precision and moments of high quality ended up being the distinction between the win and the draw.
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 21:59
England 1-1 Sweden
FULL-TIME: England proceed pushing as the ultimate whistle approaches, however they’re heading for a draw of their opening qualifying sport.
The ref does certainly blow the whistle and it’s a troublesome 1-1 draw to open their marketing campaign with.
Chris Wilson5 April 2024 21:55