England 3-0 Sweden
International Women's U19 Friendly
Wednesday 31 May 2006
Rushden & Diamonds FC

England Under-19s recorded one of their best ever victories in turning over Sweden 3-0 in front of a healthy crowd of 1,100 at Nene Park.

The margin of victory did not flatter a largely inexperienced England side who fielded several debutants but dominated most of the match against opponents who were preparing for the forthcoming UEFA Under-19 Championships in Switzerland.

England made a bright opening to the game and enjoyed most of the early possession but found it difficult against a well drilled Swedish offside trap.

Their first opportunity came on 16 minutes after Natasha Dowie was fouled 25 yards from goal but Heather Scheuber's free kick flew straight at My Axelsson.

Eida Brannsrom missed a decent chance at the other end and there was a scare for England as Louise Fors released Petra Larsson but Fern Whelan did well to block her left foot shot at the expense of a corner. These however turned out to be rare opportunities for Sweden.

England finally took the lead on 41 minutes with a well worked goal. Steph Houghton's pinpoint pass picked out Hall on the right. Hall got past her marker and slid a low cross in for Dowie, who laid the ball back for Houghton to powerfully drive the ball into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.

After the break, the powerful Brannsrom created the first opportunity for herself, turning in the area before producing a low drive which was well saved by Danielle Hill, diving low to her left.

England substitute Ashlee Hincks almost made a scoring impact, her first touch of the ball being a looping header from a Clarke cross which was inches over. However the Charlton striker did not have to wait too long as a good piece of trickery from Clarke took her to the by-line.

The Leeds United players cross evaded the England forwards, but Hall returned the ball across goal to leave Hincks with a simple tap in.

The pattern of the game continued as England, with Carla Cantrell impressively leading the forward line and Scheuber commanding in midfield, continued to dictate the play and another strong run from Clarke led to a third goal.

The young winger beat two players before being brought down on the edge of the area. Heather Scheuber struck a left foot shot from the resulting free kick, and Swedish 'keeper Anna Wahlstrom got a touch, but could only help the ball into the net to make it 3-0.

TheFA.com will bring you reaction from Head Coach Mo Marley later today.

England: Danielle Hill, Sian Larkin, Steph Houghton, Heather Scheuber, Fern Whelan, Kelly Lawrence, Jessica Clarke, Danielle Buet, Carla Cantrell, Natasha Dowie, Becky Hall.

Goals: Houghton 41, Hincks 61, Scheuber 82

Subs: Lizzie Edwards (Buet 53), Ashlee Hincks (Dowie 53), Helen Alderson (Hill 61), Sophie Bradley (Whelan 74), Ellen White (Hall 74 ), Sophie Clough (Larkin 85), Sophie Walton (Scheuber 85).

Attendance: 1,100