Sweden Women 1-1 England Women

By Tony Leighton

Unitt netted the England equaliser on 64 minutes

An equaliser by Everton full-back Rachel Unitt gave England their second draw in three days against Sweden.

After eight straight defeats by the Scandinavians, the double header on neutral territory in Cyprus was a minor triumph for Hope Powell's improving team.

England's past 18 games have brought only two defeats and confidence will be high heading into next month's World Cup qualifier against France.

Coach Powell said: "There are massive positives to take out of this week's games.

"We've competed really well against one of the best teams in the world and got two good results.

"Playing against Sweden is always a big test, but I feel we've come through it and that's a big plus ahead of the France game."

Powell made four changes to her team following Tuesday's goalless draw while Sweden fielded only two of the players who had figured in their first starting line-up.

Despite being much changed, however, the Swedes quickly moved into gear and took the lead after just five minutes.

Midfielder Salina Olsson and captain Victoria Svensson combined to create the opportunity for striker Maria Aronsson to slide home a neat shot from 10 yards.

With one or two places up for grabs against France, I've been given plenty to think about England coach Hope Powell

In spite of enjoying plenty of possession in the first half, Powell's team were never as sharp as their opponents in the final third.

They might have gone further behind on several occasions as midfielder Nilla Fischer, Aronsson and right back Anna Paulson all went close.

England started the second half brightly but striker Amanda Barr and central defender Katie Chapman both failed to make the most of good openings.

It was Chapman's aerial challenge on Lundgren, though, that led to Unitt's equaliser.

Under pressure from the Charlton defender following Jo Potter's 64th-minute free-kick, the keeper spilled the ball and Unitt quickly stabbed home from eight yards.

The goal lifted England and twice in a minute they went close to taking the lead.

Chapman had a header saved on the line by Lundgren then Smith, after weaving her way pat three defenders, shot too close to the keeper from 15 yards.

Chapman and Unitt both had headers blocked as England maintained the pressure.

But Powell's team were unable to force an historic victory.

"We weren't at the races in the first half, but the girls got to grips with things in the second half and we were much better," said Powell.

"We might have won the game, but the pleasing thing is that we've tried things and most of them have come off.

"The versatility of the squad has been shown and with one or two places up for grabs against France, I've been given plenty to think about."

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England (4-2-1-3): Rachel Brown (Everton); Lindsay Johnson (Everton), Katie Chapman (Charlton Athletic) Mary Phillip (Arsenal), Rachel Unitt (Everton); Fara Williams (Everton), Anita Asante (Arsenal); Kelly Smith (Arsenal) (sub Eniola Aluko (Charlton Athletic 82); Karen Carney (Birmingham City), Amanda Barr (Charlton Athletic) (sub Casey Stoney (Charlton Athletic) 64), Jo Potter (Charlton Athletic).
Substitutes: Rachel Yankey (Arsenal), Siobhan Chamberlain (Bristol Academy), Jody Handley (Everton), Vicky Exley (Doncaster Rovers Belles), Laura Bassett (Birmingham City), Sue Smith (Leeds United), Katie Holtham (Bristol Academy).

Sweden (4-4-2): Sofia Lundgren; Anna Paulson (Frida Östberg 77), Sara Larsson, (Linda Fagerström HT), Karolina Westberg, Maria Bergkvist; Johanna Almgren, Salina Olsson, Nilla Fischer (Caroline Seger 38), Maria Karlsson (Caroline Näfver 77); Maria Aronsson, Victoria Svensson (Lotta Schelin HT).
Substitutes: Hedvig Lindahl, Stina Segerström, , Therese Sjögran, Therese Lundin.