England had to settle for fourth place at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 2-1 defeat to Sweden in which they again gave away two first-half goals.
Kosovare Asllani’s strike went in off the post despite a touch from Carly Telford when Alex Greenwood didn’t get enough on her attempted clearance, Phil Neville’s side were then 2-0 down as Sofia Jakobsson’s was given time to curl a shot out of the keeper’s reach.
After the disappointing start, England suddenly sprang into life and Lucy Bronze forced a good stop from Hedvig Lindahl before Fran Kirby gave her former Chelsea teammate no chance with a clinical effort.
It looked a dramatic turnaround as within 2 minutes Ellen White turned her marker to find the back of the net, only for VAR to deny her an equaliser for the second match running. This decision also stopped her taking the lead in the battle for the Golden Boot.
Lucy Bronze was closest to forcing extra-time with a fierce half-volley at goal but Nilla Fischer headed it off the line.
Karen Carney had come off the bench for her last 20 minutes in an England shirt, while Sweden’s Caroline Seger chalked up a remarkable 200th cap.
