Women make winning start

A goal on the stroke of half-time gave the England Under-18 women's team victory in the opening game of the final qualifying round for the European Women's Championship, to be held later this summer.

England's only goal came from Amanda Barr who slotted home from close range after a cross from the lefthad eluded the Swedish defence.

England had chances to increase their lead in the game in Marseilles but a mixture of profligacy and good keeping by the Swedish Number One ensured that the scores stayed the same throughout the second half. In fact, it was Sweden who had the best chances to score but were denied by the woodwork on two occasions.

England: Toni-Anne Wayne (Arsenal), Leannne Champ (Millwall Lionesses), Rachel Unitt (Everton), Katie Chapman (Fulham), Casey Stoney (Arsenal), Gemma Hunt (Charlton Ath), Alexa Hunn (Charlton Ath), Amanda Barr (Doncaster Belles), Kelly McDougall (Everton), Fara Williams (Chelsea), Corinne Yarston (Southampton)

Subs: Katherine Lawson for McDougall 77; Katy Ward for Hunn 88; Lisa Richmond for Williams 97.