England gained a dramatic penalty shoot-out towards Sweden to succeed in the semi-finals of Ladies’s Euro 2025, having come from behind to attract 2-2 in regular time.
9 of the 14 penalties had been saved or missed, with simply 5 being scored, as England averted defeat by the pores and skin of their tooth and finally took one other step in the direction of defending the title they gained in 2022.
At half-time, it appeared unattainable. The Lionesses had regressed again to the insipid efficiency they produced towards France within the opening group recreation; making errors and unable to cope with Sweden’s pacey ahead line.
In truth, England had been caught out inside two minutes. A poor cross from Jess Carter put Keira Walsh in bother, and her tried cross was blocked with the ball falling to Kosovare Asllani, who made no mistake in punishing the Lionesses, arrowing an effort into the far nook from the sting of the field.
England ought to have been 2-0 down minutes later, however a last-ditch deal with from Leah Williamson denied Arsenal team-mate Stina Blackstenius. Simply after, Lauren Hemp hit the crossbar with a hand from goalkeeper Jennifer Falk in a livid begin.
Blackstenius doubled Sweden’s lead within the twenty fifth minute as they made their domination rely. She went on a solo run from the center of the park, beating Carter for tempo earlier than firing into the underside nook.
England noticed the higher of the ball within the second half, however had been missing a innovative and appeared to be drifting in the direction of a whimpering exit and the tip of their Euros title defence.
However two assists from substitute Chloe Kelly in 103 seconds breathed new life into the Lionesses. Her first right-wing cross – simply over a minute after approaching – was nodded residence on a decent angle by Lucy Bronze.
Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani, left, celebrates with Sweden’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd after scoring the opener towards England
It was one other inviting cross into the world that noticed 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang poke residence for her first worldwide event purpose, her second in an England shirt in three caps.
It despatched the sport to an additional half-hour. The primary-half of extra-time was even, however Sweden had the higher of the second, seeking to wrap up what would have been a deserved win with out the necessity for penalties.
Michelle Agyemang and England rejoice after levelling up the quarter-final with Sweden
However they weren’t in a position to make the breakthrough, and the lottery of spot kicks it was. Hardly a shoot-out for the ages.
Alessia Russo scored her opening penalty, but it surely took till Sweden’s second for Julia Zigiotti Olme to stage issues up. Nathalie Bjorn was the one different Swede to attain her spot kick, whereas Chloe Kelly additionally scored hers.
Because the shoot-out moved into sudden dying, Bronze discovered the online once more with England’s seventh penalty – making it 3-2 to the Lionesses – earlier than teenager Smilla Holmberg noticed her effort saved by Hannah Hampton to see Sweden dumped out.
In essentially the most dramatic of circumstances, England secured their place within the semi-finals and can play Italy on Tuesday July 22 as their Euros title defence – by some means – goes on.
Wiegman: The toughest recreation I’ve ever watched
England boss Sarina Wiegman:
“One of the hardest games I’ve ever watched. Very emotional. We could have been out of the game three or four times, when you’re 2-0 at half-time it’s not good.
“Though we began actually unhealthy. On the finish it acquired higher, however we did not create something so we needed to change form and we scored two targets – that was loopy.
“We missed a lot [of penalties], and they missed even more. I need to decompress I think.
“Michelle [Agyemang] brings one thing completely different. She has confirmed that. She is so sturdy and scores a purpose too, she has proven she will be able to do this.”
Williamson: We are never done
England captain Leah Williamson:
“I really feel proud. That was terrible to look at on the finish. We’re by no means performed, the fightback, the standard to show the sport round and keep in it mentally – unbelievable.
“We’ve done loads of prep [on penalties]. It’s the easiest and the hardest thing in the world. There is so much science behind it.
“You hope you create an setting the place everybody feels valued sufficient that when it is their time, they arrive in and ship.
“We’ve played three finals in a row now, basically. I’m a happy girl today.”
How the Euros quarter-finals stand
All kick-offs at 8pm BST
July 16
QF1: Norway 1-2 Italy
July 17
QF3: Sweden 2-2 England (2-3 on penalties)
July 18
QF2: Spain vs Switzerland (Bern)
July 19 QF4: France vs Germany (Basel)
