Kiev: A back-heeled effort from Danny Welbeck sealed a topsy-turvy 3-2 win for England over Sweden in Friday's crucial Euro 2012 Group D encounter in Kiev to end a four-decade winless run in competitive matches against the Scandinavians.

A towering header from the recalled Andy Carroll
midway through the opening period drew first blood for England and they went in at the break with their lead intact.

But the Swedes then turned things upside down as three minutes after the restart veteran defender Olaf Mellberg fired in a low effort which deflected home off Glen Johnson before heading in to put the Swedes ahead just before the hour mark.

England coach Roy Hodgson promptly threw on Theo Walcott and within four minutes the Arsenal winger had fired a long-range equaliser for 2-2 before Welbeck clinched a win that sent England level with France on four points at the top of the group.

France earlier beat co-hosts Ukraine 2-0.

The Swedes, in contrast, head home after their first competitive loss in seven meetings with England having already lost to the Ukrainians.