Five Chelsea players started in a decisive Group A3 qualifier between Sweden and England in Gothenburg.

Chelsea goalkeepers Hannah Hampton and Zecira Musovic both started for their respective countries and were in excellent form during a 0-0 draw, a result that secured England's qualification for the finals.

Hampton started behind a defensive quartet that included Millie Bright and Jess Carter, who slotted in at left-back.

In a closely fought first half, Carter was involved in a high-quality duel with fellow Blue Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, who started wide on the right for Sweden.

Hampton had to make two excellent saves from Sweden’s Filippa Angeldahl after the break, but the European champions got the point they required to seal a top-two finish in the group.

The hosts finish third and now have to settle for a place in the play-offs, which take place at the end of 2024.

Nathalie Bjorn was introduced off the bench in the closing minutes for Sweden as was fellow Blues Niamh Charles for England, while Aggie Beever-Jones remained on the bench for the Lionesses.

In the same group, France suffered a shock 3-1 defeat away to the Republic of Ireland in Cork having already booked their place in Switzerland next summer.

Both Sandy Baltimore and Eve Perisset started for the French who made 11 changes from their last game, with Baltimore substituted at half-time during an off night for the visitors.

Despite the result, Les Bleues still finish in top spot.

Meanwhile in Group A1, Norway and Netherlands drew 1-1 in Bergen as both sides looked to guarantee a place at the finals.

Blues star Guro Reiten started wide on the left for the hosts while Wieke Kaptein took her place in the Dutch midfield.

Caroline Graham Hansen gave Norway the lead midway through the second half but Vivianne Miedema levelled ten minutes from time.

The draw means Kaptein and the Dutch have booked their place at the Euros. However, Reiten and Norway need to navigate the play-offs later this year.

In Group A4, Sjoeke Nusken’s Germany were already through to the finals before their final game against Austria but signed off on a winning note in Hanover.

Nusken started on the bench but replaced Lena Oberdorf midway through the second half to feature in the 4-0 win. Goals from Klara Buhl (2), Jule Brand and Lea Schuller secured the three points for the hosts.

Elsewhere, Nicky Evrard was an unused substitute for Belgium as they suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Spain in their final game in Group A2.

The Red Flames were already assured of a place-off place ahead of the tie, finishing third after Aitana Bonmati and Teresa Abelleira's goals decided a tight contest.

Czechia could have leapfrogged Belgium had they picked up a result away in Denmark, following their stunning 2-1 win over world champions Spain last Friday.

Katerina Svitkova again started for the Czechs, but they suffered a 2-0 defeat and finish in fourth place. Like Belgium, they can only qualify for the finals via the play-off route.

In League B, Erin Cuthbert and Scotland were already assured of a play-off spot ahead of their final game against Serbia, for whom Jelena Cankovic featured.

Still needing a win to ensure top spot, Cuthbert played the full 90 minutes at Firhill, as the Scots won 1-0 thanks to Kirsty Hanson’s goal late in the first half.

Midfielder Cankovic came off in the closing stages for the Serbs, who settle for second place in group B2.

Both sides go through to the play-offs with Scotland securing the additional bonus of promotion to League A ahead of the next UEFA Nations League.

It was a similar story for Cuthbert’s fellow midfielder Sophie Ingle who featured for Wales in their 2-0 home win over Kosovo.

Ingle completed 64 minutes of action before she was withdrawn for substitute Alice Griffiths - first half goals from Jess Fishlock and Mary McAteer earned the three points.

Wales finish in top spot of Group B4 to earn promotion to League A. Like Scotland, they could also still be in Switzerland for the finals in 2025, should they come through the play-offs.