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England’s hopes of winning back-to-back UEFA Women’s EUROs go on after the Lionesses defeated Sweden 3-2 on penalty kicks in their quarter-final tie in Zürich this evening.
The Lionesses were poor, certainly for the first hour, and they were two goals down but some inspired substitutions from head coach Sarina Wiegman sparked a revival and two quick-fire goals sent the tie into extra-time. After no further goals in the additional period, the two sides played out a chaotic penalty shootout with England claiming a 3-2 win.
England got off to the worst possible start with Sweden breaking the deadlock inside two minutes. With England defenders out of position, Kosovare Asllani took full advantage and drilled the ball into the far corner of the net.
Two minutes later, Stina Blackstenius capitalised on a mistake from England keeper Hannah Hampton but Leah Williamson was able to slide in and make a last-ditch block.
England chances were few and far between throughout the first half but Lauren Hemp did see a lobbed effort come back off the bar.
Sweden grabbed a second goal in the 26th minute when Blackstenius was played in on goal and she calmly beat Hampton with her shot.
It could have been game over on the stroke of half-time when Fridolina Rolfö struck an effort on goal but Hampton made a full-stretch save to keep the scoreline at 2-0.
England created a good chance just after the interval. Lauren James crossed the ball for Hemp but she sent her header wide across goal.
At the other end, Blackstenius beat two England defenders to the ball but Hampton was able to save her shot.
England pushed for a way back into the game and they got a lifeline with 11 minutes to go. Substitute Chloe Kelly delivered a long ball to the back post and Lucy Bronze headed in.
A minute later, the scores were level. A Kelly cross again caused chaos in the Swedish box and Michelle Agyemang was eventually the player to fire the ball home.
Sweden almost won the game in normal time when a defensive slip up gifted Madelen Janogy the ball but Hampton came up with a big save.
There was little in the way of quality goalscoring opportunities created in the 30 minutes of extra-time and the tie was decided on a penalty shootout. In the shootout, both sides struggled to convert their spot kicks with the goalkeepers coming out on top. In the end, England held their nerve to claim a 3-2 victory.
Tonight’s result means that England will face Italy in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 semi-finals on Tuesday night while Sweden go home.
