Spirited Lions send Swedes packing

Danny Welbeck's wonder-goal capped a superb England fightback as they defeated Sweden 3-2 in a dramatic Group D encounter in Kiev.

Roy Hodgson had surprised many with the selection of Liverpool striker Andy Carroll but his faith was rewarded mid-way through the first half as the burly centre-forward bulleted a header home from Steven Gerrard's cross to give his country the lead.

Olof Mellberg's double straight after the restart ensured England had it all to do but substitute Theo Walcott made a stunning impact to level the scores with a long-range strike.

Walcott continued to trouble, aiming for the line before squaring the ball to the waiting Welbeck who delicately flicked into the corner with his back to goal to cue wild hysteria amongst the travelling English supporters.

The win puts England on level points with France, who defeated Ukraine 2-0 earlier, ahead of the final round of games on Wednesday morning (NZ Time).