This means that Sweden, who at the same time beat Ireland 3-0, passed England on goal difference as second in the group, where the best two reach the European Championship play-offs in Switzerland directly. The third in the group can also reach the EC via a playoff.
– Absolutely frustrating. I thought we played pretty well. We conceded two goals after set pieces where we must be able to do better, says England’s Dutch national team captain Sarina Wiegman according to Reuters.
European Championship qualification football
Sweden took the first victory in the European Championship qualifiers – beating Ireland away from home
Tottenham’s Amanda Nildén misses the women’s national team’s European Championship qualifiers against Ireland
England’s six-match unbeaten run was snapped and after eight minutes goalkeeper Mary Earp had to leave the pitch, where 42,561 sat at St James’ Park, due to injury. She was supported by crutches.
– It was a strange start. It wasn’t what we expected, and we had to regroup again,” said Wiegman, who did not know the extent of Earp’s injury.
World number two England face world number three France again in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday. If France wins there, they have secured a place in the EC play-offs.