THE NOTEBOOK: Alessia Russo prompts Swedish deja vu at Wembley, Grace Clinton sparkles on debut and England show off training shirts with a difference

England Women were held to a 1-1 draw by Sweden at Wembley in their opening Euro 2025 qualifier.

Alessia Russo was first to open the scoring for England when she found the net in the 24th minute.

But the defending champions could only hold onto their slender lead for so long before Sweden equalised in the 64th minute courtesy of Fridolina Rolfo. 

Here, Tara Anson-Walsh brings you the things you may have missed from the game.

The defending champions hoped to get their campaign off on the right foot in front of the home fans

But Fridolina Rolfo’s (right) second-half strike cancelled out the early effort to leave the match a stalemate

An early feeling of déjà vu for Sweden

It seemed written in the stars that it would be Alessia Russo who would open the scoring for the Lionesses on Friday night in the first game of their Euros title defence. The last time England played Sweden was in the semi-final of the Euros in 2022 when Russo scored the fourth and final goal with a backheel, booking their place in the final in style.

That goal has gone down in Lionesses folklore for its sheer audacity in a major tournament semi-final, and Russo’s boots from the game were subsequently displayed in the Tower of London alongside the crown jewels.

A strong WSL showing – in the opposition 

There were more than just a couple of familiar faces playing for the opposition on Friday, and that is because over a third of the Sweden squad currently play in the WSL. In the evening’s starting XI there were four Sweden players currently at an English top-flight club – Julia Zigiotti Olme (Brighton), Filipa Angeldahl (Manchester City), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) and Arsenal’s Conti Cup hero from last weekend, Stina Blackstenius.

There were also three former WSL players, including former Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson who won five WSL titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups with the Blues.

Eight members of the Sweden squad, including Stina Blackstenius, currently play in the WSL

Sparkling debut for Spurs sensation 

There has been a lot of hype around Tottenham’s midfield sensation Grace Clinton, and Friday night was the first opportunity for England fans to see her on home turf. This was Clinton’s third appearance for the Lionesses, her first two coming during the February friendlies in Spain when she scored 19 minutes into her debut.

And the 21-year-old looked positive going forward on Friday night, particularly in the first half, launching England’s first shot which strayed wide. She was all smiles when her number showed early into the second half that she was to be replaced by Ella Toone. Toone could end up being her teammate if she returns to her parent club, Manchester United, at the end of her season-long loan at Spurs.

Tottenham’s midfield sensation Grace Clinton made her first competitive start for England

Walsh picks up the armband from Williamson 

Sarina Wiegman reiterated that the captaincy belongs to Leah Williamson prior to kick-off, saying: ‘If she plays, she’s the captain.’ Who would take up the armband in her stead was less certain, with Mary Earps, Alex Greenwood and Georgia Stanway having all been nominated by Wiegman in the past.

But it was Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh in her 72nd appearance for the Lionesses who was chosen to lead the team for the first time in a competitive match. Walsh, 26, has proved herself to be one of England’s most important players and is a mainstay in Wiegman’s starting XI.

Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh was given the captain’s armband on her 72nd appearance

England players wore a training kit with their names displayed by the BSL fingerspelling alphabet

Training tops with a difference 

The Lionesses were spotted wearing a new-look training kit before tonight’s game with their names displayed by the BSL fingerspelling alphabet. The tops, created by the FA in partnership with EE, are designed to celebrate British Sign Language and act as a visual reminder of how football can be made more accessible to all fans.

The England deaf women’s team were brought on to the pitch at half-time to celebrate the bronze model they won at the World Deaf Futsal Championship – beating Germany 1-0 in Sao Paolo last year.