The English women drew 1-1 at Wembley in their opening qualifier for the 2025 European Championship.
Alessia Russo first opened the scoring for England when she found the net in the 24th minute.
But the defending champions could only hold their slim lead for so long before Sweden equalized in the 64th minute thanks to Fridolina Rolfo.
Here, Tara Anson-Walsh brings you the things you may have missed in the game.
Just like in the semi-finals of the European Championship, Alessia Russo found the net against Sweden
The defending champions hoped to start their campaign well in front of the home fans
But Fridolina Rolfo’s (right) strike in the second half ended the early attempt to leave the match in a stalemate.
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An early sense of déjà vu for Sweden
It seemed written in the stars that it would be Alessia Russo who would open the scoring for the Lionesses in the first match of their European Championship title defense on Friday evening. The last time England played Sweden was in the 2022 European Championship semi-final, when Russo scored the fourth and final goal with a back heel to book his place in the final in style.
That goal has gone down in Lionesses folklore for its sheer audacity in the semi-final of a major tournament, and Russo’s football boots from the match were subsequently displayed alongside the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.
A strong WSL showing – in opposition
There were more than a few familiar faces playing for the opposition on Friday, and that’s because more than a third of the Swedish squad are currently playing in the WSL. The evening’s starting line-up currently included four Swedish players at a top English club: Julia Zigiotti Olme (Brighton), Filipa Angeldahl (Manchester City), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) and Arsenal’s Conti Cup hero from last weekend, Stina Blackstenius. .
There were also three former WSL players, including former Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson who won five WSL titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups with the Blues.
Eight members of the Swedish squad, including Stina Blackstenius, currently play in the WSL
Sparkling debut for Spurs sensation
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Tottenham’s midfield sensation Grace Clinton, and Friday night was the first opportunity for England fans to see her on home ground. This was Clinton’s third appearance for the Lionesses, her first two coming in February’s friendlies in Spain when she scored after 19 minutes in her debut.
And the 21-year-old looked positive on Friday night, especially in the first half when he launched England’s first shot, which went wide. She was all smiles when her number early in the second half showed her being replaced by Ella Toone. Toone could become her teammate when she returns to her parent club, Manchester United, at the end of her season-long loan with Spurs.
Tottenham’s midfield sensation Grace Clinton made her first competitive start for England
Walsh takes over the armband from Williamson
Sarina Wiegman reiterated before kick-off that Leah is the captain, saying: ‘If she plays, she is the captain.’ Who would take the armband in her place was less certain, as Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway had all been nominated by Wiegman in the past.
But it was Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh who, in her 72nd appearance for the Lionesses, was chosen to lead the team in a competitive match for the first time. Walsh, 26, has proven to be one of England’s most important players and is a mainstay in Wiegman’s starting XI.
Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh was given the captain’s armband on her 72nd appearance
England players wore training kit with their names displayed in the BSL finger spelling alphabet
Training tops that make the difference
The Lionesses were spotted ahead of tonight’s match in a new training kit, with their names displayed in the BSL finger spelling alphabet. Created by the FA in partnership with EE, the tops are designed to celebrate British Sign Language and act as a visual reminder of how football can be made more accessible to all fans.
The England deaf women’s team took to the pitch at half-time to celebrate the bronze model they won at the World Deaf Futsal Championship – beating Germany 1-0 in Sao Paolo last year.
