sport news England 1-1 Sweden: Defending champions held in opening Euro 2025 qualifier ... trends now
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If England are to defend their European title in Switzerland next summer then it will have to get better than this.
At the stadium where the Lionesses lifted this trophy, they were given a stark reminder that the shine of silverware does not last forever.
This was the Lionesses’ most lacklustre performance at Wembley since Sarina Wiegman’s reign began and they were lucky to escape with a point.
The last time England had played Sweden was their 4-0 victory in the semi-final of Euro 2022, a game remembered for Alessia Russo’s back-heel. There was a sense of deja vu when the forward gave the hosts a first half lead, but the Swedes deserved an equaliser and got one through Fridolina Rolfo just past the hour mark.
On the balance of chances, Sweden should have won this game, but Stina Blackstenius could only fire wide when clean through on goal.
Alessia Russo put England ahead in the first-half against Sweden in the Euro 2025 qualifier
The striker nodded in Lauren James' clever cross in the 24th minute on Friday night
If England needed any proof that this qualification group for next summer’s tournament will not be easy, then this was it.
The Nations League format means they have been drawn against two of the top six ranked nations in the world in Sweden and France and an improving side in the Republic of Ireland, who they face in Dublin next week.
The truth is, with England in League A, it is harder not to qualify for next summer’s tournament. The top two teams progress automatically while the other two countries will face a
