It took more than 130 minutes in a roller coaster race, and it was England who won the dramatic penalty against Sweden to book his place in the 2025 European Cup semi-finals.
The Lioness showed incredible resilience to recover from two goals, ultimately blocking its position in Italy by Lucy Bronze’s final penalty and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s key rescue.
Sweden flew around from the first half, catching England off guard with its intensity and direct way.
It took the Swedes only two minutes to open the score as Kosovare Asllani locked in a clever pass from Stina Blackstenius and stuffed the ball into the bottom corner of Hampton.
England looked shocked, trying to impose itself, Sweden dominated.
Sweden’s advantage doubled after just twenty minutes. Julia Zigiotti Olme split England’s defense into Blackstenius with a through ball, who drilled a low outside Hampton to score 2-0.
The defense that England usually constitutes is disconnected, and their offensive efforts are greatly ineffective within the opening 45 minutes.
We never quit.
England is in #Weuro2025 Semi-finals❤️ pic.twitter.com/gu8o4vxc3z
– Lioness (@Lionesses) July 17, 2025
Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo both approached but couldn’t find a breakthrough, with Jennifer Falk showing calm and safe hands on the Sweden goal.
England made several changes at the 70-minute mark to trigger turnaround. Michelle Agyemang, Beth Mead and Esme Morgan were all introduced as managers Sarina Wiegman hopes to inject rhythm and creativity.
The momentum shift is immediate. Chloe Kelly also stood out from the bench and proved to be a game-changer.
In the 79th minute, Kelly curled from a delicious cross to the right, and Lucy Bronze encountered it at the back post, halving the deficit.
In just two minutes, England reached its level. Mead, another replacement, fell to the right and saw her header blocked in the box. The ball is friendly to Agyemang, who reacts the fastest and can poke Folk from close range.
Both sides have a chance to win in regular time. Alessia Russo was stopped at the dying moment, while Madelen Janogy tested Hampton with a curling strike.
With the score locked at 2-2, the game moved to overtime.
What. A. Moment. 😍❤️ pic.twitter.com/sveapjeiys
– Lioness (@Lionesses) July 17, 2025
Overtime and punishment madness
The next 30 minutes of fierce competition, the two teams are not only fighting each other, but also increasing tensions.
Sweden passed Lina Hurtig, his header was taken away by Hampton, and Nathalie Bjorn barely missed from a game.
England also let their moments-Bronze-Bronze’s long-range shot was blocked, and Russo was just a late attempt.
The replacement lasts for an additional period. The injury forced Leah Williamson and Kosovare Asllani to break away from the form of Sofia Jakobsson, Amanda Nilden and Rebecka Blomqvist, and Sweden deployed fresh legs.
England brought Grace Clinton, who was fined and free thrown.
With the final whistle blowing 2-2, the atmosphere is electrical and the pressure is very high. The penalty shootout will determine the winner.
Alessia Russo opened the gunfight with confidence in England, shooting into the corner in the low position. Swedish Filippa Angeldahl stood up and saw Hampton save her shot.
Incredible person!!!!!! 🔥
we are #Weuro2025 Semi-finalist! 😍 pic.twitter.com/za2bua4axs
– Lioness (@Lionesses) July 17, 2025
Lauren James and Beth Mead were both rejected by Falk in succession attempts, but Sweden failed to capitalize Magdalena Eriksson and Jennifer Falk shone.
The gunfight became a nerve battle. Chloe Kelly drove the free throw to the top corner to put England in a 2-2 tie. Nathalie Bjorn scored to restore Sweden’s hopes, but Sofia Jakobsson’s efforts were saved by Hampton again.
The bronze medal then clutched her nerves and shot her shot into the high center of the goal, putting England on the edge.
Smilla Holmberg had the ultimate chance to keep Sweden alive, but she imposed free throws on the bar confirming England’s pass to the last quarter.
This is a heroic performance of England, not only to overcome the deficit of both goals, but also to show pure calmness under the pressure of the greatest.
Hampton is undoubtedly a gunfight hero, making three key saves at a critical moment, standing tall.
For Sweden, it’s heartbreaking. They were the better side of the big spell of the game and would create missed opportunities in the gunfight.
Olme and Blackstenius performed well in the open game, but ultimately, the edges of knockout football were thin.
England is now heading to the semifinal next week, showing a huge comeback and steel nerves from the most important moment, full of adrenaline.
