England staged an incredible comeback to keep their Euro 2025 hopes alive, overcoming a two-goal deficit against Sweden before sealing victory in a dramatic penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was the hero, saving two spot-kicks as England advanced to their sixth consecutive major tournament semi-final.
The match started disastrously for England, with Sweden striking early through Kosovare Asllani after just two minutes. Exploiting England’s vulnerable left flank, Sweden pressed high, forcing errors and dominating possession. Their relentless pressure paid off again in the 25th minute when Stina Blackstenius broke free and fired low into the corner to double the lead. England looked out of sorts, struggling to cope with Sweden’s aggression and pace.
England nearly responded through Lauren Hemp, whose effort was tipped onto the bar, but the defending champions went into halftime two goals down and facing elimination. Surprisingly, there were no immediate changes after the break despite calls for defensive reinforcements. England improved marginally as Sweden eased their press, creating more space for Wiegman’s side to build attacks. Ella Toone and Hemp had chances, but England lacked penetration down the flanks.
The game turned in the final 20 minutes when Sarina Wiegman introduced Michelle Agyemang, Beth Mead, and Esme Morgan. The impact was immediate. In the 79th minute, Lucy Bronze headed home from a Chloe Kelly cross to halve the deficit. Just 102 seconds later, Kelly was involved again, nodding a ball down for Mead, whose header set up Agyemang to level the score. England nearly completed the comeback in normal time when Alessia Russo delayed her shot with only the keeper to beat.
Extra time brought further drama. Leah Williamson limped off with an ankle injury, Lauren James took a heavy challenge, and Hampton required treatment for a nosebleed after a collision. Despite these setbacks, neither side could find a winner, sending the game to penalties.
In the shootout, England held their nerve. Russo, Kelly, and Bronze converted, while Hampton saved from Filippa Angeldahl and Sofia Jakobsson. Magda Eriksson struck the post, and further misses from Smilla Holmberg and Jennifer Falk sealed Sweden’s fate. England triumphed in remarkable fashion, becoming the first team to come from two goals down in the knockout stages of the women’s Euros since the tournament began in 1984.
It was a night of resilience and belief, with England refusing to surrender their crown. Now, with a semi-final secured, they march on in search of back-to-back European titles.
