England Women picked up the point they needed to secure Euro 2025 qualification but were again found wanting in front of goal in a 0-0 stalemate in Sweden.
The Lionesses could only force Zecira Musovic into two saves all night in Gothenburg and failed to score for the first time in almost a year, after Sarina Wiegman had said they “should have scored more” in their previous game with Ireland.
England were left in a Catch-22 situation with France’s shock defeat to Ireland meaning any victory would have seen them top the group, and earn a valuable seeding for the Euro 2025 finals next summer.
But having started so brightly, they were left to hold onto a draw following the second-half impact of Hanna Bennison and Rosa Kafaji from the Sweden bench, with the latter unlucky not to win a penalty following a rash challenge from Leah Williamson.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd also tested new England No 1 Hannah Hampton with a long-range effort late on which the Chelsea goalkeeper was at full stretch to keep out.
England’s best opportunities came through a Lucy Bronze header from a free-kick which she telegraphed straight at Musovic, while Georgia Stanway twice went close to notching her 20th England goal but just missed with an effort from the angle and a 20-yard drive.
The Lionesses will have to wait until December to discover their fate for the Euro 2025 group stages, as they look to defend their title in Switzerland next summer.
More to follow…
Key Euro 2025 dates
Play-off draw: July 19
Play-off round one (two legs): October 23-29
Play-off round two (two legs): November 27-December 3
Euro 2025 finals draw: December 16
Euro 2025 finals: July 2-27 2025 – Switzerland
