England kept their European title defence alive with a remarkable comeback and dramatic penalty shootout win over Sweden in the quarter-finals of the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Zurich.
Sarina Wiegman’s side came from two goals down with just 11 minutes of regular time left, then held their nerve in a chaotic shootout to book a semi-final clash against Italy on Tuesday, 22 July at 20:00 BST.
Shootout Drama After Stunning Fightback
England defender Lucy Bronze scored the decisive penalty—England’s seventh in the shootout—rifling her effort into the roof of the net before Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg blazed over to seal a 4–2 victory on penalties.
The shootout saw both teams struggle under pressure. Sweden converted only two of their seven spot-kicks, with England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saving two and Swedish keeper Jennifer Falk saving four, including one from Grace Clinton. Falk also missed the chance to win the tie when she sent her own penalty over the bar.
First-Half Woes, Second-Half Resurgence
Sweden looked in full control early on, racing into a 2–0 lead inside 25 minutes through captain Kosovare Asllani and Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius, who tormented England’s backline with pace and precision. England’s defence—particularly Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood—struggled to cope with Sweden’s high press and wide threats.
But the Lionesses showed resilience. Bronze powered in a header from Chloe Kelly’s cross in the 79th minute to give England hope, before 17-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang coolly slotted home from close range just moments later to send the match into extra time.
Hampton, Bronze Deliver in Clutch Moments
While England were far from convincing, it was Hampton who emerged as the hero, producing a series of crucial saves throughout and stepping up in the shootout. Bronze’s experience also told at the critical moment, her calm finish and emotional celebration a fitting image of England’s fightback.
The 33-year-old has now scored twice in the tournament and continues to lead by example in what could be her final Euros.
Key Stats
England became the first team in Women’s Euros history to win a knockout game after trailing by two or more goals. They’ve now won all three shootouts under Sarina Wiegman, having lost all four prior to her tenure. Asllani’s goal was the fastest England have ever conceded in a European knockout match and the quickest Sweden have ever scored in the tournament. England have scored three goals via substitutes in this tournament—more than any other team. Just 103 seconds separated Bronze and Agyemang’s goals.
Sweden Collapse After Bright Start
Sweden will be left ruing missed chances and a golden opportunity to knock out the defending champions. After a dominant first half, Peter Gerhardsson’s side lost composure and failed to kill the game off in the second period. Despite a 15-match unbeaten run heading into the quarter-finals, they now bow out in agonising fashion.
Next Up: Italy Await
England now turn their attention to a semi-final meeting with Italy, ranked eight places below them in the FIFA rankings, as they look to move one step closer to defending the European crown they won in 2022.