Once again England failed to break the 38 year hoodoo against Sweden after some terrible defending gifted Sweden a late equaliser in the last minute.

England were badly shaken after a bad injury to Michael Owen in the first minute that threw the game plan out the window. Sven Goran Eriksson had to revert to plan B bringing on Peter Crouch to partner Wayne Rooney upfront. England edged the first half and took the lead on 34 minutes with a superb strike from Joe Cole. As so often under Eriksson England dipped in the second half and Sweden always a threat from set pieces pulled level on 51 minutes, Allback heading home from a corner. Sweden looked more likely to take the lead with some nervous moments at the back for England.

Substitute Steven Gerrard put England ahead with 5 minutes to go heading home well from a Joe Cole cross. Just as it looked like the 12 game wait for a win was over Larsson pounced on slack defending to prod home.

England win the group and now face Ecuador on Sunday. Not looking good for Owen though, his competition could be over, big blow for the team.