England Pull Off Stunning Comeback to Reach Euro 2025 Semi-Finals

England staged a dramatic turnaround to keep their European title defence alive, overcoming Sweden in a nail-biting penalty shootout after coming back from two goals down in regulation time.

Late Rally Rescues Lionesses

Sarina Wiegman’s side looked down and out in Zurich when they trailed 2-0 with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining. Goals from Sweden captain Kosovare Asllani and Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius had put the Scandinavians in firm control within the opening 25 minutes.

But England found a lifeline in the 79th minute when Lucy Bronze met Chloe Kelly’s cross with a powerful header. Just moments later, teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang coolly slotted home from close range to level the match at 2-2 and force extra time.

Despite chances at both ends, the match remained deadlocked through 120 minutes, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.

Shootout Chaos Ends in English Glory

The penalty shootout was anything but straightforward. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the hero, saving two penalties to help swing momentum in her team’s favour. Sweden only managed to convert two of their seven spot-kicks, with their own goalkeeper, Jennifer Falk, saving four but crucially missing one herself when she sent it over the crossbar.

With the shootout hanging in the balance, veteran Lucy Bronze confidently smashed England’s seventh penalty into the top corner. Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg then fired over, handing England a sensational victory and sending the Lionesses through to the semi-finals.

Hampton, Substitutes Steal the Spotlight

While England’s backline struggled in the first half, particularly on the left, where Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood were exposed, individual performances stood out as the match progressed. Captain Leah Williamson brought much-needed stability, and substitutes Chloe Kelly and Niamh Charles made crucial contributions.

But it was goalkeeper Hannah Hampton who emerged as the standout performer, making decisive saves in the shootout and commanding her area with confidence throughout.

On Sweden’s side, Blackstenius was electric, using her pace to torment the England defence and scoring a well-taken goal in the first half.

Key Stats and What’s Next

England are the first team in Women’s Euro history to recover from a two-goal deficit in a knockout match and progress.

Under Sarina Wiegman, England have now won all three penalty shootouts they’ve contested, having lost the previous four before her arrival.

Asllani’s opener was the fastest England have ever conceded in a Euros knockout stage.

England’s substitutes have now scored three goals at Euro 2025, more than any other nation.

Just 103 seconds separated England’s two comeback goals in regular time.

England will face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday, July 22 at 20:00 BST, while Sweden bow out of the tournament, ending their impressive 15-match unbeaten run that stretched back to July 2024.