Duggan's lifeline for struggling England

England’s hopes of reaching the Euro 2013 knockout stages are hanging by a thread after last night’s 1-1 draw with Russia.

Toni Duggan’s last-gasp equaliser in Linkoping gave Hope Powell’s team a precious lifeline after their opening defeat by Spain.

England were heading out of the competition as they trailed to Nelli Korovkina’s first-half header in injury time.

However, 21-year-old Everton striker Duggan, playing in her first major tournament, pounced in the box and swept the ball home from a tight angle.

Coach Powell said: “The girls are disappointed but [one] point is better than no points. We have to take courage from the fact that we fought right to the end.”

Duggan said: “I don’t know how I feel. I’m disappointed. We expected to win and we’ve come away with a draw. But I’ve been waiting to play my part in the team and, thankfully, today I did that.”