England produced one of the most thrilling comebacks in their history to defeat Sweden in a dramatic Euro 2025 quarter-final, winning 4-2 in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after coming from 2-0 down in regulation time.
In a rollercoaster match in Zurich, Sarina Wiegman’s side kept their European title defence alive with a performance that blended grit, resilience and drama.
Sweden looked set to knock out the reigning champions after taking a commanding lead inside 25 minutes through captain Kosovare Asllani and Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius.
But the Lionesses refused to go quietly. With just 11 minutes of normal time remaining, defender Lucy Bronze gave England a lifeline, heading in from Chloe Kelly’s pinpoint cross.
Then, teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang wrote her name into the tournament’s story, calmly finishing from close range to equalise minutes later.
The comeback sent the match into extra time, and eventually a penalty shootout, which descended into chaos and unpredictability.
Both goalkeepers were thrust into the spotlight. England’s Hannah Hampton saved two Swedish efforts, while her counterpart Jennifer Falk remarkably saved four of England’s spot-kicks.
However, Falk squandered a chance to win it for Sweden, blasting her own penalty over the bar. With the score level at 2-2 after six penalties each, it came down to England’s seventh taker.
Lucy Bronze stepped up again and rifled her penalty into the roof of the net. Moments later, Sweden’s Smilla Holmberg skied her shot, sparking wild celebrations among the English players and fans.
Speaking after the match, head coach Sarina Wiegman praised her team’s mental strength. “This team never stops believing. We were up against a very strong Sweden side but showed character and unity,” she said.
The victory secures England a semi-final date with Italy on Tuesday, July 22 at 20:00 BST. Italy reached the last four after edging past the Netherlands in a narrow 1-0 win.
Bronze, reflecting on her crucial role in the win, said, “It’s moments like these you play for. I just knew I had to keep it simple and strike it hard.”
For young Michelle Agyemang, it was a dream moment. “To score in such a big game is unbelievable. I just focused on the ball and did my job.”
England’s journey continues, and with the spirit and depth they showed in Zurich, the Lionesses are roaring louder than ever.
