Lionesses Overcome Two-Goal Deficit, Defeat Sweden \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ England reached the semifinals of the Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic 3-2 penalty win over Sweden. The Lionesses came back from two goals down late in the match before triumphing in a tense shootout. England now faces Italy in Tuesday’s semifinal in Geneva.
Quick Looks
- England wins 3-2 on penalties after 2-2 draw.
- Came from two goals down with 12 minutes left.
- Bronze and Agyemang scored late to force extra time.
- First-ever Women’s Euros comeback from 2-0 down in knockouts.
- Hannah Hampton saved two penalties in the shootout.
- Sweden missed five penalties, including the final one.
- Lucy Bronze buried her spot-kick under pressure.
- England to face Italy in semifinal next Tuesday.
- Sweden had gone unbeaten in group stage.
- England struggled early but found rhythm late.
Deep Look
In one of the most dramatic comebacks in UEFA Women’s European Championship history, defending champions England staged an astonishing late surge to defeat Sweden 3-2 in a penalty shootout on Thursday after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. The quarterfinal clash in Zurich delivered high-stakes emotion, historic milestones, and an unforgettable performance from a Lionesses squad that refused to surrender.
England’s victory marks the first time in Women’s Euro history that a team has come back from two goals down in a knockout-stage match to force extra time, highlighting not just the team’s skill but its grit and championship pedigree.
Sweden’s Dominant Start and Early Goals
The match could not have begun more disastrously for England. Within the opening two minutes, Sweden had found the back of the net. England attempted to play out from the back, but a poor pass rebounded off Sweden’s Filippa Angeldahl and landed perfectly for Stina Blackstenius. The forward showed great awareness by laying the ball off to an unmarked Kosovare Asllani, who calmly slotted it into the bottom left corner past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
The goal, officially timed at 1 minute and 46 seconds, stunned the Lionesses and set the tone for what appeared to be a dominant Swedish performance.
The second goal came not long after, exploiting England’s defensive frailties. Sweden repeatedly found space down the right flank, and in the 28th minute, Blackstenius capitalized again. She latched on to a sharp through ball from Julia Zigiotti Olme, muscled off England’s Jess Carter, and finished with composure into the far corner. At 2-0, England looked rattled, Sweden looked poised, and the Zurich crowd was sensing an upset of the reigning champions.
Hampton’s Crucial Interventions
Despite being on the back foot for most of the first half, England was kept alive by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Making a case for herself as one of the most clutch performers of the tournament, Hampton produced key saves to deny Fridolina Rolfö and Blackstenius from extending Sweden’s lead. Her efforts went under the radar initially, but they would prove pivotal in the story that unfolded.
Hampton’s post-match remarks reflected the rollercoaster of emotions she endured: “Stressful. Stressful watching, stressful playing,” she told the BBC. “Every time I saved one I was thinking ‘please just put it in so we have a bit of a cushion.’ Then their keeper saves the next one and I thought, ‘oh goodness, here we go.’”
Wiegman’s Tactical Brilliance and England’s Revival
With 12 minutes left in regular time and England still trailing by two, head coach Sarina Wiegman made a decisive move that altered the match. She brought on forward Chloe Kelly in the 78th minute. The Manchester City star immediately injected energy and threat down the left wing.
It took her just seconds to make an impact. Kelly whipped in a high-quality cross that found Lucy Bronze at the far post. Bronze powered in a header, finally beating Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk and pulling one back for England.
Momentum quickly swung, and England sensed a lifeline. Just two minutes later, Kelly delivered another inch-perfect cross. Bronze again rose to meet it, this time nodding it down for 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang. The teenager made no mistake, heading home the equalizer with authority. In just three international appearances, Agyemang now has two goals — none more vital than this one.
The comeback was complete, and the atmosphere flipped. England, from the edge of elimination, had fought their way into extra time.
Tense Extra Time and Penalty Chaos
Despite the dramatic late resurgence, both teams appeared cautious in extra time. Fatigue set in, and opportunities were limited. Neither side wanted to risk an error, and as the clock ticked toward 120 minutes, the inevitable penalty shootout loomed.
Both teams had recent success in shootouts — each had emerged victorious from spot-kick duels in the 2023 Women’s World Cup — but what followed was anything but composed.
The shootout was chaotic. Eight players — four from each side — missed their penalties in a nerve-shredding display of tension and misfires. England’s Hannah Hampton came up huge again, saving two Swedish penalties and maintaining her composure even as her own teammates struggled to convert.
Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk was equally sensational, making four saves herself. But when it came time for her to take a penalty, she fired it well over the bar, squandering a golden chance to tilt momentum in her team’s favor.
Veteran Lucy Bronze stepped up with ice in her veins. She delivered the crucial strike that finally edged England ahead 3-2. Sweden’s 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg then had a chance to equalize and extend the shootout — but her shot soared over the crossbar, and England erupted in celebration.
What This Win Means for England
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. England showcased the character and tactical adaptability of a true title contender. The ability to rally from two goals down, under enormous pressure, is a defining mark of champions.
England now advances to face Italy in the semifinals on Tuesday in Geneva — a team known for its tactical discipline and defensive structure. With renewed confidence, creative attacking options, and the belief that they can overcome any deficit, the Lionesses appear poised to continue their title defense in style.
For Sweden, it was a brutal exit from a tournament that had started so brightly. After sweeping their group and dominating Germany, they fell victim to an England team that refused to fold. The shootout, filled with missed opportunities, will haunt them — but their young talent, including Holmberg, promises a bright future.
For now, the story belongs to England: a team that rewrote history with one of the most memorable comebacks in European football.
Lionesses Overcome Lionesses Overcome Lionesses Overcome
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