England warmed up for this summer’s World Cup in Germany with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Sweden in an entertaining friendly at the Kassam Stadium.

A header from Jill Scott and a penalty from substitute Karen Carney sealed victory for England, who were watched by a decent crowd of 5,167.

It was the second-half introduction of Carney and fellow substitute Eniola Aluko that turned the game in England’s favour.

Sweden had started the stronger, with Jessica Landstrom causing England’s defence problems.

The home side were lucky not to go behind early on when Therese Sjogran’s shot struck the left-hand post with Karen Bardsley beaten.

Casey Stoney made a great challenge to deny Sjogran as she broke through on goal.

Coach Hope Powell rang the changes at half-time and it paid off with Scott heading them in front from a Rachel Yankey corner after Sweden failed to clear a minute after the restart.

The pacy Eniola Aluko went close to doubling England’s lead, but Hedvig Kindahl made a great stop.

England made it 2-0 on 70 minutes with a penalty from Carney after she was brought down.

A brilliant run from Aluko almost brought a third, but she could only shoot straight at the keeper and England defended well as they eased to a deserved win.