Melissa Lawley struck two first-half goals as England Women’s Under-23s made light work of Sweden in La Manga.
Lawley, who joined Manchester City in December, struck twice in the opening half an hour with England in total control.
The outcome was made certain with Everton defender Gabby George on target, before Sweden’s late consolation through substitute Anna Anvegard.
Beth England twice went close for England before they opened the scoring midway through the first half when Lawley bundled in from close range. Claudia Walker slid in to meet Jess Carter’s low left-wing cross. Walker’s effort was blocked by Emma Holmgren, but as the Sweden keeper leapt to her feet to gather the loose ball, she fumbled and Lawley pounced to open the scoring.
Five minutes later the Lionesses had a second and again it was Lawley in the right place at the right time. Sweden failed to clear Mollie Bartrip’s corner and Lawley showed poacher’s instincts to stab home the loose ball from inside the six-yard box.
With 14 minutes remaining England got a third through George, controlling Jodie Brett’s right-wing cross before firing in at the near post.
England, being led by Joel Roberts with Marieanne Spacey at the SheBelieves Cup, are back in action on Saturday against USA.
England: 1 Sophie Baggaley (Birmingham City), 2 Hannah Blundell (Chelsea), 3 Jess Carter (Birmingham City), 4 Aoife Mannion (Birmingham City), 5 Gabby George (Everton), 6 Mollie Bartrip (Reading), 8 Jade Bailey (Chelsea), 10 Beth England (Chelsea), 12 Leah Williamson (Arsenal), 19 Mel Lawley (Manchester City), 20 Claudia Walker (Everton).
Substitutes: 14 Abbey-Leigh Stringer (Birmingham City) for Bartrip 45, 16 Jodie Brett (Bristol City) for Lawley 64, 9 Freda Ayisi (Birmingham City) for England 76, 17 Sarah Mayling (Birmingham City) for Blundell 86
Substitutes not used: 13 Megan Walsh (Notts County), 15 Keira Walsh (Manchester City), 18 Jenna Legg (Brighton & Hove Albion).
Coach: Joel Roberts
Goals: Lawley 21, 26, George 76
Sweden: 1 Emma Holmgren, 3 Emma Pennsater, 4 Ellen Lofkvist, 5 Lotta Okvist, 7 Anna Oscarsson, 8 Michelle De Jong, 9 Rebecka Blonqvist, 13 Maja Gothberg, 15 Irma Helin, 17 Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, 19 Emma Jansson
Substitutes: 12 Britta Elsert Gynning, 2 Alice Nilsson, 6 Philippa Angeldal, 10 Anna Anvegard, 11 Tove Almqvist, 14 Elin Bragnum, 16 Madelen Janogy, 18 Fanny Andersson, 20 Emelie Andersson
Coach: Calle Barling
