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In one of the most dramatic matches in UEFA Women’s Euro history, England’s Lionesses roared back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Sweden in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout, securing their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2025.
A Night of High Drama in Zurich
Trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes of normal time remaining, Sarina Wiegman’s side produced a sensational comeback to level the match before triumphing 4-2 in a chaotic penalty shootout. The result keeps England’s dream of defending their European crown alive.
⚽ First-Half Shock: Sweden Strike Early
Sweden came out firing, with Kosovare Asllani opening the scoring inside two minutes — the fastest goal England have ever conceded in a Euros knockout match. Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius doubled the lead in the 25th minute, exploiting England’s defensive vulnerabilities.
England’s backline, particularly Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood, struggled to contain Sweden’s pace and precision, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Blackstenius causing havoc down the flanks.
🔁 Tactical Turnaround: England’s Substitutes Spark Revival
Despite a shaky first half, England’s substitutions proved decisive. Chloe Kelly delivered a pinpoint cross for Lucy Bronze to head home in the 79th minute, before 18-year-old Michelle Agyemang coolly slotted in the equaliser just 103 seconds later.
Wiegman’s tactical nous once again shone through, with Niamh Charles and Lauren Hemp also making key contributions in extra time.
Penalty Shootout Chaos: Hampton the Hero
The shootout was a rollercoaster of emotions. Both goalkeepers were heavily involved:
- Hannah Hampton saved two penalties and stood tall under pressure.
- Jennifer Falk saved four England penalties but missed a golden chance to win it when she blasted her own spot-kick over the bar.
Veteran defender Lucy Bronze, playing in her seventh major tournament, stepped up as England’s seventh taker and smashed her penalty into the roof of the net, igniting wild celebrations.
Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg then sent her effort over the bar, sealing England’s place in the semi-finals.
🌟 Player of the Match: Hannah Hampton
While Bronze’s leadership and Agyemang’s composure were vital, Hannah Hampton was the standout performer. Her penalty saves and commanding presence were instrumental in England’s survival.
📊 Key Stats from the Quarter-Final
- England became the first team in Women’s Euros history to win a knockout match after trailing by two or more goals.
- England have now won all three penalty shootouts under Sarina Wiegman.
- Sweden’s 15-match unbeaten run came to an end.
- England have scored three goals via substitutes in Euro 2025 — more than any other team.
🔍 What’s Next?
England will face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday, July 22 at 20:00 BST. Italy, ranked eight places below England, will pose a different kind of challenge — but the Lionesses have momentum, belief, and history on their side.
Sweden, meanwhile, exit the tournament with regrets, having failed to capitalise on a dominant first half and multiple chances to seal the win.
Unforgettable Night
This match will go down as one of the most unforgettable nights in England’s women’s football history.
From despair to delirium, the Lionesses showed the heart of champions. With Italy up next, the road to retaining their European title is still alive — and England fans will believe anything is possible.
