 |
| Kick off at the Kassam. |
The England Women's side completed their World Cup 2011 warm up with a game against a highly rated Swedish side at Oxford United's Kassam Stadium. Sweden currently sit fifth in the FIFA world rankings, five places above England, and come into this game having comfortably qualified for the World Cup including racking up a 17-0 win over Azerbaijan. England don't have the best record against Sweden, having not won any of the last nine meetings between the side, but came into the night full of confidence after beating the USA for the first time in 22 years in a friendly just over a month ago.
 |
| England begin to apply the pressure. |
There was no Fara Williams or Faye White in the side owing to knee injuries and their absence was keenly felt. England started shakily and Sweden were unlucky not to take advantage of Alex Scott's poor clearance as the resulting shot slammed into the post from 15 yards. There was more trouble for England as 'keeper Karen Bardsley fluffed her lines in claiming a corner, the ball fell to a Swedish player in the box but she couldn't take advantage. After the initial scares England went on the attack.
It soon became apparent that the Swedish defence was just as shaky as the English. Rachel Unitt pounced on a loose ball but the Swedish 'keeper got down well to keep it out. As the English confidence began to grow, so did the risk of being done on the break with gaps appearing down the England's right flank as Scott and Clarke pushed on. Bardsley had to be on her toes to keep the Swedes at bay, denying them twice before the break. The Swedes had just about shaded a first half in which neither side had defended particularly well.
 |
| Kelly Smith: England legend! |
The half time break saw a visit to an extortionately priced snack bar called off due to excessive queues. I'm not entirely sure how Oxford United can justify their stadium charging £3.10 for a sausage roll or a bargain meal "deal" of a pie and drink for well over a fiver. RIP OFF!
 |
| Sweden try to fight back. |
Hope Powell's team talk was evidently of greater value than the food and England flew out in the second period. Aluko and Carney were two of four changes made by Powell at half time and they helped England into the ascendency. With a minute or two gone Aluko won a corner for Yankey to swing in and it was met by Jill Scott who diverted it over the on-rushing 'keeper. Aluko was involved again moments later as Jill Scott turned provider with a ball down the wing. Aluko ran onto it and did well to get a cross to Jess Clarke who couldn't make the most of it.
Sweden tried to start a fight back but could only rattle the woodwork as England stepped up a gear. Carney and Aluko combined time after time with the former playing in the latter in but the 'keeper saved well at her feet to deny England. Carney took the initiative on the next attack and was brought down, a touch easily, while shielding the ball in the area; she dusted herself off and coolly converted the spot kick to put England 2-0 up with twenty minutes remaining.
 |
| Karen Carney scores from the spot. |
England made a few more changes, including a début for Fern Whelan, while seeing the match out comfortably. This result, combined with the win over the USA will send England to the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany full of confidence. Fingers crossed the girls will get the job done.
Next up: More women's football as the FA Cup Final comes to Coventry with Bristol Academy taking on the might of Arsenal.
