England are through to the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 semi-finals, but they had to survive a nerve-shredding contest against Sweden to get there - a night marked by last-minute heroics, injury setbacks, and one of the most chaotic penalty shoot-outs in tournament history.
Despite a nightmare start that saw Sarina Wiegman's side fall two goals behind early on, the Lionesses roared back thanks to super-sub Chloe Kelly and a resilient finish. Michelle Agyemang and Lucy Bronze struck late to send the game into extra time, and after a 2-2 draw, England held their nerve in a wild shoot-out, with Bronze and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerging as the heroes.
Early Trouble for the Lionesses
England couldn't have started in worse fashion. Defensive lapses were punished instantly as Kosovare Asllani struck inside two minutes, and Stina Blackstenius soon doubled Sweden's lead. Wiegman's tactical changes followed swiftly, and it was Chloe Kelly's introduction that turned the tide.
The Arsenal winger wreaked havoc on the flanks and set up both of England's goals, the first finished by Bronze and the second by teenage forward Agyemang, to bring the game level in the dying moments.
Penalty Chaos and Bronze's Iconic Moment
What followed in the shoot-out bordered on the absurd. Of the 14 spot-kicks taken, nine were missed - a testament to nerves, fatigue, and outstanding goalkeeping. Bronze stepped up with the scores at 2-2 and fired emphatically into the roof of the net to give England the edge.
She played through visible pain, with strapping on her left leg and ice on her right thigh post-match, but delivered when it mattered most. "One of a kind," said Wiegman of her full-back. Bronze's strike not only secured the win but etched her deeper into Lionesses legend.
Beth Mead later reflected on the shoot-out chaos: "I think we're all frustrated in the sense that we had our system, we've practiced them every day, we've got our routines, and sometimes it doesn't go to plan."
Injuries Cloud the Victory
While the win was celebrated, it came at a cost. Captain Leah Williamson was forced off in the first half with an ankle issue. "She rolled her ankle. She'll be assessed tomorrow," Wiegman confirmed in her post-match press conference. "I don't know what it is right now. She couldn't stay on the pitch so we had to take her off."
Bronze and Lauren James also appeared to be struggling with knocks by the final whistle, although Wiegman downplayed the severity, suggesting fatigue was more likely the cause.
Williamson told BBC One: "It wasn't about me [tonight] and a game like that requires you to be at 100 per cent. It wasn't the time to stay on the pitch, but I don't know."
Even goalkeeper Hampton ended the match with a bloody nose - a fitting image from a brutal encounter that pushed England to their limits.
What's Next for England?
The Lionesses now face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday, 22 July, with kick-off set for 8pm BST in Geneva. Italy reached this stage after a surprise 2-1 win over Norway in the quarters, with veteran forward Cristiana Girelli bagging both goals.
It will be England's first trip to Geneva this tournament, and with a place in the final at stake, the stakes couldn't be higher.
As chaotic as the Sweden match was, England's title defense is still alive. And if nothing else, they've proven that when everything's on the line, they don't go quietly.
Source:
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/england-sweden-penalties-euros-women-latest-news-b2791386.html#post-2135309
Image: Sébastien Bozon/AFP/Getty Images
England celebrate after their dramatic shootout triumph over Sweden to reach the Euro 2025 semis.
