England 1-1 Sweden: Alessia Russo strike cancelled out by Fridolina Rolfo at Wembley in Euro 2025 qualifier

England got their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign underway with a lacklustre 1-1 draw against Sweden at Wembley.

Alessia Russo gave the hosts the lead with a first-half header in the 24th minute, but it was ultimately cancelled out by Fridolina Rolfo with a header of her own in the 64th minute.

"They're a top side and our group is so tough," Russo told ITV after the match.

"But we're a good side too. It's disappointing not to take all three points but we came up against a really strong Sweden side.

"We'll reflect and learn and we've got to get ready to go again [against Republic of Ireland] on Tuesday.

"Our standards are high, we know we can demand higher of each other. We will own that but across the board there were lower standards that we can improve on.

"They pressed us well, it's not an easy game. We struggled to figure out the problems but we did get a draw."

England boss Sarina Wiegman said after the match: "We were struggling at moments to get the high press we wanted but it also had to do with the qualities they showed.

"The goal we conceded was really unnecessary. We gave away throw-ins - a little bit unnecessary - then we didn't press enough then they had a good cross and finished that one."

Russo went down in the sixth minute to receive medical treatment for an ankle problem after a late challenge, but she returned to fire England in front in the 24th minute to score her first goal at Wembley.

From close range, the Arsenal striker latched onto a cross from Lauren James to produce a headed finish in a half of few chances.

Sweden grew in confidence as the match progressed and they levelled the score after the hour-mark through Rolfo.

The Barcelona forward met substitute Rosa Kafaji's cross and headed in at the back post.

Sweden should have taken the lead moments later when Stina Blackstenius got into a one-on-one against Mary Earps, but her left-footed strike rolled centimetres past the post.

England responded with heavy pressure and Lauren Hemp had the chance to win it for the hosts in the 87th minute, but her shot was cleared off the line by central defender Magdalena Eriksson.

The Lionesses will travel to Dublin on Tuesday to take on the Republic of Ireland for their second Euro 2025 qualifier.

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