England's opening World Cup opponents Sweden could only draw with joint hosts Japan in their final warm-up match today in Tokyo.

Whilst looking much the stronger side, the Swedes were unable to make their superiority tell, and even helped the home side draw level through an own goal.

Sweden took the lead after 20 minutes, when new Aston Villa striker Marcus Allback poked the ball home from seven yards after being played in by strike-partner Henrik Larsson.

Japan created few chances in the first half, although star man Hidetoshi Nakata, who plays for Parma, tested Magnus Hedman in the Sweden goal from 35 yards just before the break.

The equaliser came after 63 minutes, Alex putting in a cross from the left which Hedman failed to deal with and the ball rebounding into the net off the shins of Johan Mjallby.

Both sides had chances late on, with Freddie Ljungberg testing the Japanese keeper after a typical surging run, and in injury time, Takayuki Suzuki dragging a shot wide from 10 yards out.

Tord Grip and Dave Sexton were there from the England camp, and they will return to the training base at Awaji Island, where the full squad arrived today, armed with further knowledge on their opponents in the opening game in just 8 days time.