Late penalty save sees England Women’s U-23s lose to Sweden | OneFootball

Sofia Hjern made a stoppage-time penalty save for Sweden U-23s. (Peter Sonander/SPP)

England were beaten 2-1 by Sweden in the Women’s U-23 European competition at Doncaster Rovers FC on Monday 2 December.

Despite the defeat in their last match of 2024, Emma Coates’ team remain top of Group B, although three of their four opponents – Sweden, Norway and the Netherlands – still have a game in hand.

England had to make a change to the planned starting eleven, with Elysia Boddy replaced by Sarah Brasero but they began strongly and took the lead after just three minutes when Lucia Kendall followed up a blocked shot to open the scoring.

The advantage lasted until the 24th minute, Khiara Keating making a fingertip save but from the resulting corner kick a scramble ensued  and Sofia Reidy equalised.

Sweden then went ahead early in the second half, Evelina Duljan’s cross deflected past Keating and into the net.

Another blow for England saw Hannah Silcock stretchered off the pitch following a collision.

Substitute Lenna Gunning-Williams was brought down in the box in stoppage-time but Katie Robinson’s spot-kick was saved by Sofia Hjern.

England: Khiara Keating, Neve Herron, Anouk Denton, Olivia McLoughlin, Teyah Goldie, Hannah Silcock, Katie Robinson, Lucia Kendall, Mia Enderby, Missy Goodwin, Sara Brasero

Substitutes: Jessica Simpson (for Goodwin, 62), Freya Godfrey (for Herron, 62), Tara Bourne (for Silcock, 62), Isobel Goodwin (for Enderby, 90+3)

Attendance: 1.752

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