Lionesses fight back to reach Euro 2025 semis

England’s women make triumphant comeback in a tense penalty shootout to beat Sweden to a spot in the semi-finals.

(Credit: Getty Images) 

What turned out to be a dramatic evening ending with England celebrations had a disappointing start, after Swedish captain Kosovare Asllani punished a sloppy England defence to put the side ahead after just two minutes.

By half-time England trailed by two goals and were struggling to create, but substitutes Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang made the difference late on. Kelly’s cross was headed in by Lucy Bronze with just 11 minutes to go, and moments later rising star Agyemang equalised to send the game to extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout.

The penalties were always going to be a stressful experience, but the distinct lack of quality gave the stadium a nervy atmosphere, with 3 players missing the target completely and six shots kept out by the two goalkeepers.

Alessia Russo’s powerful shot made a good start for England, and a save from Hampton gave them the advantage. However, Lauren James and Beth Mead both found their attempts saved by Swedish keeper Jennifer Falk. This allowed Magdalena Eriksson the chance to put Sweden in front, but her shot hit the post. The fourth of England’s penalties was also saved as Falk kept out Alex Greenwood’s strike. England needed to score after Nathalie Bjorn gave Sweden the edge, and the responsibility stood with Chloe Kelly, who kept England’s hopes alive with a shot that fired past Falk.

Three misses were to follow as goalkeeper Falk sent the ball over the crossbar, England’s Grace Clinton rolled her shot into Falk’s hands and Hampton made another save. This left Lucy Bronze to deliver the perfect penalty straight down the middle, placing pressure on 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg to give Sweden another chance at victory. She missed the target, and her strike cleared the bar, sending the Lionesses through.

England’s defence of their European title continues Tuesday 22^nd July at 8pm, facing Andrea Soncin’s Italy side for a place in the final.