AFCON 2025
England pulled off a stunning comeback to beat Sweden on penalties and reach the semi-finals of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
The Lionesses were 2-0 down inside 25 minutes after early goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius punished a shaky England defence.
Sarina Wiegman’s side looked out of sorts in the first half but came to life after a triple substitution in the second. Chloe Kelly, Michelle Agyemang, and Beth Mead brought fresh energy, and it paid off late in the game.
Lucy Bronze headed home from Kelly’s cross in the 79th minute, and just over a minute later, 19-year-old Agyemang bundled in the equaliser to make it 2-2.
Extra time saw both teams struggle physically, with several injuries disrupting the flow. Hannah Hampton, England’s goalkeeper, ended the match with a bloodied nose but stayed on for the penalty shootout.
The shootout was tense and chaotic, with both sides missing four penalties. Hampton saved two of Sweden’s efforts, and Lucy Bronze converted England’s final spot-kick before Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg missed to hand England a 3-2 win.
It was a night of resilience and belief for the Lionesses, who became the first team in Women’s Euros history to overturn a two-goal deficit in the knockout stage. They now face Italy in the semi-finals.
