Young Lionesses win European trophy

England Women Under-23s have collected silverware after a 3-0 victory over Sweden in the European Competition friendly finals.

Goals from London City Lionesses striker Isobel Goodwin, Birmingham City defender Hannah Silcock and Leicester City's Olivia McLoughlin put paid to their Scandinavian opponents as England secured a comfortable win.

Only in its second campaign, the European Competition is a season-long tournament contested by the 12 leading teams on the continent.

After being thrashed 5-0 in their opening group game by Germany in October, England drew with Portugal before rattling off four straight 1-0 wins to reach the final, including against the Netherlands in Tuesday's semi-final.

Two goals in the opening nine minutes seized control against Sweden and Lydia Bedford's side sealed victory when Tottenham's Lenna Gunning-Williams set up McLoughlin shortly after half-time.

Seventeen-year-old Chelsea midfielder Chloe Sarwie also impressed, backing up her assist against the Dutch with a performance that sparkled throughout.

It is a dream start for former Leicester City head coach Bedford who was only installed with England Under-23s last month.

It also shows that, after back-to-back European Championships at senior level, the young Lionesses on the fringe of Sarina Wiegman's squad remain among the best in Europe.