'Lower standards' - Lionesses star Alessia Russo urges England to 'demand higher of each other' after disappointing Sweden draw

In England's first match of their 2025 UEFA Women's Euro qualifying campaign, Russo put the European champions 1-0 up in the first half with a header that capped a nice move. But Sweden were a threat throughout and got an equaliser they deserved just past the hour. It was Fridolina Rolfo on the scoresheet, the Barcelona star capitalising on a lapse in concentration from club-mate Lucy Bronze to level things up.

Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius had a golden opportunity to win the game for Sweden, too, but missed the target completely when one-on-one with Mary Earps, meaning the spoils were shared at Wembley.

Speaking to ITV after the game, Russo said: "To our standards, we know that there's a little bit all over the pitch that we can demand higher of each other from. I think us as players, we'll own that and we'll look back at it. I think all across the board, there was just a little lower standards than we're used to."

Asked why that might've been the case, the goal-scorer replied: "I don't know. They pressed us really well, so it's tough. It's not like it's an easy game. They're on top side and we struggled at times to figure out their problems but at the same time, we still got a draw."

Russo's first-half header was her first goal at Wembley Stadium, despite it being her 18th for England. "I love playing for England, I love playing here, so it's really nice to get on the scoresheet," she said of the milestone.

The Lionesses don't have to wait long to respond to this disappointing result as they are back in action on Tuesday, taking on Ireland in their second Euro qualifier.