England can’t depend on Lauren James alone to advance in Euro qualifiers ‘group of death’.

Introduction to the article:
The article discusses England’s opening game in the European qualifiers for the Euros defense, where they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden. The result leaves the Lionesses on the back foot as they aim to secure one of two automatic qualification spots from a tough group.

Lionesses Lose Early Momentum

England, who had taken the lead with a goal from Alessia Russo, struggled to maintain their momentum throughout the game. Despite an initial spark provided by Lauren James, the team seemed to lack the drive needed to create enough chances to trouble Sweden.

Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

An equalizer from Fridolina Rolfo highlighted England’s defensive vulnerabilities, with lapses in concentration leading to Sweden’s goal. The Lionesses were punished for their errors, and a missed chance from Stina Blackstenius could have seen Sweden take the lead.

Lack of Quality in the Final Third

Despite attacking options from the bench, England failed to create enough pressure to secure a win against Sweden. The team’s sloppy performance, particularly in the final third, showcased a need for improvement moving forward in the competition.