England failed to turn their possession into goals as they lost 3-0 to Sweden on the day of captain Steph Houghton’s 100th cap.
Sweden took the lead after 20 minutes at the near-capacity New York Stadium in Rotherham and did not look back, inflicting England’s second defeat under manager Phil Neville from 12 games.
The opener came when Sofia Jakobsson was given too much space just outside the area and she curled her shot into the corner, beyond England goalkeeper Carly Telford.
The visitors doubled their lead after England failed to clear the danger, and Anna Anvegard hit the ball into the net from just a few yards out to get her first international goal.
Unfortunately for England, it was Sweden’s Caroline Seger who dominated the ball in midfield in the first half, and formed the basis of their attacking movements.
England had a penalty shout in the 65th minute when Nikita Parris looked to be bundled over in the box, but the referee waved play on.
The home side failed to capitalise on a good 15 minutes of pressure and possession before Telford made a diving save low to her right to prevent a third goal for Sweden with just 10 minutes left of the match.
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