In a heart-stopping quarter-final at the UEFA Women’s European Championship 2025, England staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Sweden 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, securing their place in the semi-finals against Italy. The match at Stadion Letzigrund was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing resilience, tactical brilliance, and a dramatic penalty shootout that will be remembered as one of the most chaotic in the tournament’s history.
Chloe Kelly delivers for England once again 🅰️👏#WEUROassists || @AmazonUK pic.twitter.com/EXj1P3cU2i
— UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 17, 2025
First Half: Sweden’s Dominance
Sweden came out firing, capitalizing on England’s shaky defense within the first two minutes. A misplaced pass from Jess Carter was intercepted by Filippa Angeldahl, who fed Stina Blackstenius. The Arsenal striker teed up captain Kosovare Asllani, who calmly slotted home for her 50th international goal, silencing the Lionesses’ faithful. Sweden’s high press and pace overwhelmed England’s left flank, with Carter and Alex Greenwood struggling to contain Blackstenius and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.
The Blågult doubled their lead in the 25th minute. Blackstenius, a constant menace, outpaced Carter and fired a low shot past Hannah Hampton into the far corner. England were rattled, their defense exposed, and Sweden could have extended their lead further when Blackstenius charged down Hampton, only for Leah Williamson to make a crucial block. Despite a rare chance for England—Lauren Hemp’s shot clipping the crossbar—Sweden’s first-half dominance left the Lionesses staring down an early exit.
Second Half: England’s Fightback
Trailing 2-0, England looked destined for defeat, but Sarina Wiegman’s tactical acumen and timely substitutions turned the tide. The Lionesses showed signs of life after the break, with Ella Toone forcing a save from Sweden’s goalkeeper Jennifer Falk and Hemp flashing a header wide. However, it was the introduction of substitutes Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, and others that sparked a dramatic turnaround.
In the 79th minute, Lucy Bronze pulled one back, heading in a pinpoint cross from Kelly to ignite England’s hopes. Just 102 seconds later, 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang equalized with a stunning strike, assisted again by Kelly, sending the match into pandemonium. England’s bench erupted, and the momentum swung decisively in their favor. Sweden, shell-shocked after their commanding lead evaporated, couldn’t regain control as the game headed to extra time.
Extra Time and Penalties: A Shootout for the Ages
Extra time saw both teams trade chances. Sweden’s Angeldahl tested Hampton with a long-range effort, while substitute Madelen Janogy nearly restored Sweden’s lead, only for Hampton to palm her shot away. England’s Alessia Russo missed a late chance, and the match inevitably went to penalties—the first for both teams in the Women’s Euros since 1984.
What followed was a penalty shootout of extraordinary drama, with nine of 14 penalties missed. Sweden’s Jennifer Falk was heroic, saving four England spot-kicks, but her own effort sailed over the bar, squandering a chance to win it. England’s Hannah Hampton, despite earlier mistakes, emerged as the hero, saving two penalties, including Filippa Angeldahl’s. Lucy Bronze, cool under pressure, slammed her penalty into the roof of the net, and when 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg skied Sweden’s final effort, England secured a 3-2 shootout victory.
Key Moments and Performances
England’s comeback was a testament to their resilience and Wiegman’s substitutions. Bronze, named Player of the Match, was immense, scoring, defending stoutly, and delivering in the shootout. Hampton redeemed her earlier errors with crucial saves, while Agyemang’s equalizer marked her as a star of the future. For Sweden, Blackstenius and Asllani were outstanding, with the former tormenting England’s defense and the latter setting the tone early. Angeldahl’s tireless midfield work was equally impressive, but Sweden’s inability to convert chances and their shootout woes proved costly.
Hampton heroics 🧤🤩#WEUROPOTM || @VisaUK pic.twitter.com/I31sCToP9l
— UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 18, 2025
Post-Match Reaction
England boss Sarina Wiegman described the match as “one of the hardest games I’ve ever watched,” praising her team’s mentality: “We could’ve been out three or four times, but we never gave up.” Lucy Bronze echoed her manager’s sentiments, calling it “a rollercoaster” and praising Sweden’s performance: “Both teams deserved to go through.” Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani was left devastated, saying: “We had the team to win this tournament. I just feel empty.”
What’s Next?
England’s sixth consecutive major tournament semi-final sees them face Italy on July 22 in Geneva, one step from a third straight major final. Sweden, despite their exit, can hold their heads high after a brilliant tournament, having topped their group with wins over Germany, Poland, and Denmark.
This match will go down as a classic, with England’s never-say-die spirit and Sweden’s relentless attacking showcasing the best of women’s football. The Lionesses march on, their title defense alive and their sights set on glory in Switzerland.
England’s journey continues, but this epic encounter will linger long in the memory of fans and players alike.
