After defeating Norway 4-1 in their opening match earlier this week, Gemma Davies’ team approached the match knowing that a win or even a draw would be enough to see them reach the semi-finals.

But they met a robust Swedish outfit that never really looked like releasing an early lead despite the young lionesses’ best efforts, especially in the second half.

However, the decisive goal came already in the seventh minute, when Sweden won an early corner. It was whipped into the area by Anna Sandberg and Elma Nelhage rose to the top to drive an unstoppable nod in the upper corner, which gave Khiara Keating no chance.

And it took a good save from Keating to prevent Sweden from doubling their lead even in the 19th minute, as Sweden easily broke up England’s corner at one end before starting a counterattack through the lively Svea Rhenberg. She selected Matilda Nilden in the box, but her effort was stopped by Keating when Sweden looked to add to their bill.

England, however, received almost an equalizer just before half an hour, when the Swedish goalkeeper Serina Backmark released a deep post from Jorja Fox and tried to gather at the second time. Grace Clinton was quickly in with a nod to steal the ball from Backmark and it was only when it bounced back from the crossbar and into the goalkeeper’s hands that Sweden was released.

That moment seemed to spur England and Backmark who gave them further encouragement ten minutes before the break when Kendall’s ball bounced back into the Clinton area from the attacking goalkeeper’s knee and into Clinton. The ball bounced harmlessly off the post, though. Sophia Reidy was the replacement.