NICOSIA, Feb 8 (SW) - The England Woman’s side rounded off their Cyprus get together with a moral boosting 1-1 draw with Sweden. They had played the same side earlier in the week as part of their build up to next months World Cup qualifier with France.

In that match a 0-0 draw was achieved, but last nights fixture saw more open play and chances for both teams. The English goal came from Everton left back Rachel Unitt who struck a low shot on the 64th minute from eight yards out, equalizing Aronsson’s goal for Sweden. These results continue England’s unbeaten run since Sweden knocked them out of Euro 05. It was also Rachel Unitt’s fourth international goal, the others coming against Holland and a brace against the Czech Republic in front of her hometown crowd at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium.

England now look towards a tough world cup match with France. A win there would be a major step towards China 2007 and a world cup appearance is featuring in the professional plans of Ms Unitt. Over the Christmas period she was coincidentally linked with a move to Swedish club, Malmo. International commitments however were one of the reasons for her backing out of the move. Talking to the fan-site ‘Rachel-Unitt.net’ she stated. ‘Well I went to have a look at Malmo.. but chose not to go. It would have been ace, was really good deal! best league in the world too, but I decided to stay here as I have a big year internationally and I don’t want to burn myself out...’

The March 26th French qualifier is to be held at Blackburn Rovers Ewood Park ground. It is also due to be screened live on digital channel BBC 3, who ironically were screening Rachel Unitt’s movie appearance this week. In ‘Bend like Beckham’ she rubs shoulders with Oscar nominated Keira Knightley and ER star Parminder Negra. Joking about the role recently she said, ‘W e met Parminder, Joe and Kiera, Kiera was a nobody then, now she’s massive...’

However it’s a starring role not a bit part that’s concentrating the mind, a starring role on the big stage of the World Cup finals. It seems that Rachel, in her bid to make these finals wants to avoid any upheavals and will stay in the stable environment of English Premiership football and Everton for at least another season. Indeed she may also forego her summer sojourn to the US and the NJ Wildcats (where she picked up an injury last season) to keep herself fresh for the challenges of the qualifying campaign and hopefully the World Cup itself.