Lauren James and Georgia Stanway celebrate England's opening goal with goalscorer Alessia Russo. Cr. Getty Images.Lauren James and Georgia Stanway celebrate England's opening goal with goalscorer Alessia Russo. Cr. Getty Images.
Lauren James and Georgia Stanway celebrate England's opening goal with goalscorer Alessia Russo. Cr. Getty Images. | Getty Images

England player ratings vs Sweden: Two 8s as Lionesses are held by Swedes at Wembley

By Graham Falk

Engagement Journalist

5th Apr 2024, 9:58pm

The Lionesses began their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Sweden at Wembley. Here’s how we rated the performance of each England player.

Sarina Wiegman’s England were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Sweden in their Euro 2025 qualification opener in front of over 60,000 at Wembley.

An early goal from Alessia Russo (25) looked to have the Lionesses in the driving seat but a stirring second half comeback saw the visitors deservedly equalise through Fridolina Rolfo just after the hour mark.

Lionesses skipper Leah Williamson had to be content with a place on the bench as she continues her return to the international fold following her ACL injury almost a year ago.

Grace Clinton almost grabbed her first England goal when she smashed a shot goalward early on while Lauren Hemp proved to be a menace to the Sweden defence throughout the opening period. However it was a combination of Lauren James and Russo that brought the opening goal when the Chelsea star’s right wing cross was nodded home at close range by Russo.

Wiegman’s side looked largely in control until slack defending from a throw in saw Barcelona star Rolfo nod home an equaliser from close range and when Stina Blackstenius fired wide just minutes later when clean through on goal, the Lionesses were suddenly on the ropes.

England would rally as both Hemp and Beth Mead went close late on, however, in the end neither side could find the vital winning goal in front of almost 64,000 fans in Wembley. The Lionesses will now go in search of all three points in Dublin on Tuesday as they travel to the Irish capital for a mouth-watering clash with Republic Of Ireland.

Lionesses skipper Leah Williamson had to be content with a place on the bench as she continues her return to the international fold following her ACL injury almost a year ago.

Slowly making the left back slot and was largely solid throughout. Fell asleep at the throw in for Sweden's equaliser though.

5. Niamh Charles - 6

Slowly making the left back slot and was largely solid throughout. Fell asleep at the throw in for Sweden's equaliser though. | Getty Images

So vital to how England play. Does the simple stuff without fuss and consistently offers a world class range of passing.

6. Keira Walsh - 7

So vital to how England play. Does the simple stuff without fuss and consistently offers a world class range of passing. | Getty Images

Tidy and composed in the middle.

7. Georgia Stanway - 6

Tidy and composed in the middle. | Getty Images

Her third start for England but looks every inch a Lioness already. Offered energy and commitment until she was subbed for Ella Toone.

8. Grace Clinton - 7

Her third start for England but looks every inch a Lioness already. Offered energy and commitment until she was subbed for Ella Toone. | Getty Images

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Related topics:Player ratingsWembleyThe LionessesLeah Williamson