The ratings of the players as the Lionesses succeed in qualifying for Euro 2025 are nerve-wracking

England drew 0-0 with Sweden on Tuesday night to book their place at next summer’s European Championships in Switzerland.

The Lions needed a draw to qualify following their win over the Republic of Ireland last week and Sweden’s loss to France. Despite a recent attack from the hosts in Gothenburg, Sarina Wiegman’s team will have to wait to get a much-needed point.

England could have topped the group as Ireland won 3-1 against France in another group game. However, the draw means they finished second in the table and a point behind champions France.

How did the game happen?

England’s best chance in the first half of the game fell to Alessia Russo. Georgia Stanway’s run down the right was picked out and she struck a dangerous cross into the box, but the Arsenal striker couldn’t find a strong connection to send it past Zecira Musovic.

Sweden held their position well, but England were composed on the ball and held it well. Stanway had a strong effort on goal late in the first half, but his effort from range flew wide of the post.

The athletes’ best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to Hanna Lundkvist. Millie Bright took Sweden’s free kick and it fell to a defender outside the box, but her effort was high and wide.

Sweden started the second half the better team as they registered their first attempt on goal in the 50th minute. Filippa Angeldal got a shot and Hannah Hampton got down well and put it away.

England were lucky not to concede a penalty with 20 minutes left to play as Leah Williamson slipped on Rosa Kafaji’s ball. The Swedish striker managed to get to his feet and saw it go into the corner, but no doubt the referee would have blown the whistle and pointed to where it landed.

Sweden continued to push, but England’s experience of holding on for a result proved to be enough on the night as they saw a thrilling final 15 game.

GK: Hannah Hampton – 6/10 – A big night for the goalkeeper as he got the nod ahead of Mary Earps in a game they should not lose. The key save early in the second half was denying Angeldahl. They were not convinced as things began to heat up in England in the second half.

RB: Lucy Bronze – 7/10 – He registered England’s first effort on goal in the second half with a powerful header from a free kick. He was caught up front in the second half, but made some important clearances.

CB: Leah Williamson – 7/10 – Made a crucial clearance and interception as Sweden looked to break away in the first half. Smart defense and picked the right moments to go forward. He was lucky not to concede a penalty late in the second half.

CB: Millie Bright – 7/10 – He won his aerial contests and kept Sweden reasonably quiet around Williamson. A sloppy second half as England’s dominance eroded.

LB: Jess Carter – 6/10 – He was caught once or twice in the first half, but Williamson did well to end any danger. She looked the weak link in England’s defense at times when she faced tough opposition in Chelsea team-mate Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

CM: Keira Walsh – 7/10 – Quick, intricate passing through the middle of the pitch that created some good openings in the first half. Struggled to dictate how to play in the second half as Sweden pushed for the winning ball.

CM: Georgia Stanway – 7/10 – It was a dangerous drop in the box which was a great opportunity to open for England in the first 20 minutes. Strong effort on goal late in the first half but narrowly missed.

CM: Ella Toone – 6/10 – He entered the space below the front doors on the left but his cut in the box was removed. He was involved in a well-worked England attack but the final pass was lacking.

RW: Lauren Hemp – 7/10 – It was given out in the first half which allowed Sweden to counter early, but Williamson was there to make amends. He continued to push but fought his way back into the game in the second half.

ST: Alessia Russo – 7/10 – He provided the link to most of England’s attacks in the first half with some clever touches and through balls to his teammates. He used his strength well with his hold up play and was always looking to make runs at the back.

LW: Beth Mead – 6/10 – A few loose touches in the opening 10 minutes. A decent set piece delivery, but Sweden defended well in those situations. It has been shown.

Your substitute

SUB: Chloe Kelly (73′ for Beth Mead) – 6/10

SUB: Niamh Charles (89′ for Lauren Hemp) – N/A

SUB: Fran Kirby (90′ for Ella Toone) – N/A

Subs used: Mary Earps (GK), Khiara Keating (GK), Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park, Jess Park, Millie Turner

The manager

Sarina Wiegman – 6/10 – The first team selection spot is open, but it didn’t respond quickly enough to the changes in Sweden. Sweden played with great intensity in the second half and England failed to match them as they were holding on to a draw.

Player of the Year – Leah Williamson (England)

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