Williams wins it for England

Captivating display
Williams missed last season's inaugural UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship in Sweden through injury, but underlined her worth to the England cause today with a captivating display in Markranstädt. Her winning goal meant the Swedes were left pointless from a game in which they had drawn level when Yolanda Odenyo cancelled out Alex Scott's first-half opener.

Early effort
Sweden stated their intent as early as the second minute when the impressive Johanna Almgren drilled a shot from 20 metres which skimmed the English crossbar. England found their feet after the quarter-hour mark and launched a number of promising counterattacks. Yet it was the Swedes who had the next worthwhile chance, defender Odenyo rifling in a free-kick from 25 metres which struck the side-netting.

Scott on target
England reached the semi-finals last year, a performance which earned them a place at the FIFA Women's Under-19 World Cup. They look a better side for the experience and opened the scoring with a goal of genuine quality. Scott, the Arsenal LFC winger who enjoyed a fine tournament in Sweden in 2002, was the scorer, collecting a Swedish clearance in the 40th minute before shooting past Maria Edman from the edge of the box.

Nordbrandt chances
Sweden almost went in on level terms, Almgren ending the half as she had started it with a fine shot, which was saved by Karen Bardsley. The Scandinavian challengers began the second half in determined fashion too and five minutes in Natalie Tingvall got the better of a couple of England defenders before finding Maria Nordbrandt who had two chances to score - the first straight at Bardsley, the second blocked by a brave defender.

Powerful header
Sweden drew level in the 58th minute when Odenyo powered in a superb header from a corner from the right. Four minutes later her team-mate Almgren was taken to hospital with a foot injury but later released. From then on the game ebbed and flowed, with both sides attacking in search of what could prove to be a crucial winning goal.

Late pressure
Sweden had the lion's share of the play but Williams had the final say, the England captain scoring with a high shot in the centre of the goal from range which narrowly escaped the clutches of Edman. Sweden applied even more pressure late on but Bardsley and her defence stood firm. The English now meet fellow victors Italy on Sunday, while Sweden take on Germany in a game no side can afford to lose.