James was selected in the Lionesses' starting XI alongside clubmate Niamh Charles while Hannah Hampton, Jess Carter and Fran Kirby were among the England substitutes.

In action for Sweden was Johanna Rytting Kaneryd. Zecira Musovic was on the bench for the visitors to north London.

England, the reigning European champions, opened up a lead in the first half. James was the architect as she was given room to clip a cross into the six-yard box and Alessia Russo nodded home.

However, Sweden carried a threat throughout the contest and equalised shortly after the hour mark. Fridolina Rolfo was the goalscorer as she headed in at the back post from a Rosa Kafaji delivery.

James was replaced soon after by Beth Mead. Carter, meanwhile, was introduced for Charles with eleven minutes to play. Rytting Kaneryd was the only Blue to start and finish the match.

Scotland began their qualification campaign with a goalless draw away at Serbia. Erin Cuthbert started for the visitors while Jelena Cankovic was introduced at the half-time interval.

It was a better night for Wales as they claimed a 4-0 victory over Croatia. Chelsea midfielder Sophie Ingle captained the side and played 86 minutes before being replaced.

Elsewhere across the continent, Guro Reiten fashioned one of the four goals that Norway scored without reply against Finland. The 29-year-old wore the captain's armband and completed the full 90 minutes.

Sjoeke Nusken grabbed an assist as Germany came from two goals down to defeat Austria 3-2. Chelsea goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger was an unused substitute.

Eve Perisset played 77 minutes for France as they got their qualification campaign underway with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.