England's journey towards Euro 2025 got off to a challenging start as they faced a disciplined Sweden side in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium. The match saw Alessia Russo scoring for England in the first half, only to be equalized by Fridolina Rolfö for Sweden in the second half.
The draw highlighted the tough competition in the qualification group, which includes powerhouse teams like France and the Republic of Ireland alongside Sweden. England's head coach, Sarina Wiegman, acknowledged the difficulty of the group but expressed disappointment at not securing a win.
Wiegman's young squad, featuring players like Grace Clinton and Lotte Wubben-Moy, struggled to find momentum in the attacking third. Despite the return of captain Leah Williamson, who remained an unused substitute, England failed to capitalize on opportunities.
The match saw physical challenges, with Russo sustaining a notable injury early on. Both teams struggled to maintain possession, with Sweden's press causing problems for England. Wiegman's tactical adjustments eventually led to England taking the lead through Russo's goal.
However, Sweden fought back with Rolfö equalizing in the second half. The visitors had a chance to take the lead but missed a crucial opportunity. England introduced fresh legs in the form of Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly in search of a winner but were unable to break the deadlock.
Both coaches agreed that the 1-1 result was a fair reflection of the game, with Sweden's Peter Gerhardsson highlighting missed chances for both teams. The match showcased the competitive nature of the qualification group and the challenges that lie ahead for England as they aim to secure their spot in Euro 2025.
