England 1 Sweden 1

England needed a lucky penalty to go ahead in a dull match at Old Trafford with Sweden again proving very tough opposition for the home team.

England have not beaten Sweden since 1968 and while the performance today was well ahead of such abject displays as Euro 92, England never really managed to find the space to sweep into convincing attacks against a hard working Sweden team that defended comfortably.

England did create the best chances to win but Sweden goalkeeper Magnus Hedman produced three rapid saves midway through the second half to protect the draw.

Substitute Danny Murphy combined well with Paul Scholes to set up another sub, Robbie Fowler, for a low drive which Hedman dived to save but less than a minute later Hedman was needed to save a Murphy shot and then turned a Fowler shot away with his legs. The second half then deteriorated into mass substitutions but England never looked like finding the space to hurt the Swedish defence.

Sweden lacked Henrik Larsson and Freddie Ljungberg which removed their atacking threat while England without the speedy runs of Michael Owen can struggle badly against teams willing to defend in depth.

Sweden seem well suited to the demands of tournament football in the World Cup finals while England's defence is prone to mistakes and the team gives away the ball when trying to hit decisive passes. Eriksson needs persuade his side to just keep patient possession and use the runs of Owen and this game will help to prove such theories.

David Beckham sent in a 16th minute free kick from distance which Hedman tunred over and then scored his 6th goal for England with a penalty in the 35th minute after Trevor Sinclair fell over in the penalty area. Beckham drive the spot kick into the middle of the net and the home team seemed to be set up for a win but Sweden came back to equalise.

On half time goalkeeper Nigel Martyn palmed a free kick back into the six yard box while trying to catch the ball and Hakan Mild swept in.

In Owen's absence Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips was not well supported by the midfield or strike partner Emile Heskey and Sweden were able to use man-for-man marking throughout the match to nullify and England team missing the ultimate threat of Owen's speed and finishing ability.