England through to semi-finals of Women's Euros after beating Sweden on penalties

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England have booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's Euros after knocking out Sweden.

The Lionesses won 3-2 on penalties at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland, after clawing their way back to take the game into extra-time.

The defending champions had been 2-0 down at half-time after goals from Sweden's Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius in the quarter-final clash.

England then levelled matters towards the end of normal time. Lucy Bronze delivered the first England goal on 79 minutes, assisted by substitute Chloe Kelly. Two minutes later, Michelle Agyemang followed suit, taking the score to 2-2.

 AP

Image: England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton (R) celebrates with teammates after the side beat Sweden. Pic: AP

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan

Image: Bronze's penalty kept England's hopes alive. Pic: Reuters

After a goalless extra-time, it was time for penalties.

Alessia Russo kicked things off, finding the back of the net for England, before Lauren James, Alex Greenwood, Beth Mead and Grace Clinton had their attempts saved by Sweden's Jennifer Falk.

The game was sent into sudden death after Falk went face-to-face with England's Hannah Hampton but sent the ball flying over the crossbar.

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan

Image: Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Sweden

Image: A devastated Sweden. Pic: Reuters

It all came down to Sweden's seventh penalty after Bronze sensationally scored, with 18-year-old Smilla Holmberg missing the chance to send her team through.

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England will next face Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva on Tuesday.

'That was crazy'

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan

Image: Sarina Wiegman after the match. Pic: Reuters

England boss Sarina Wiegman described the action as "one of the hardest games I've ever watched".

"We could have been out of the game three or four times, when you're 2-0 at half-time it's not good," she said after the match.

"Although we started really bad, at the end it got better, but we didn't create anything so we had to change shape, and we score two goals - that was crazy.

"We miss a lot [of penalties], and they miss even more. I need to decompress, I think."

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan

Image: Hannah Hampton still delivered with one nostril down. Pic: Reuters

Goalkeeper Hampton added that it was "stressful watching" and "stressful playing".

The 24-year-old, who was left with a bloodied nose in extra-time, said: "Every time I saved one, I was just thinking 'please put it in, so we have a bit of a cushion!'

"To be honest, I think I was better in the game when I had one nostril than when I was completely fine!"

She said it was the support of the England fans that helped the team push on. She said: "They were definitely behind me and I appreciate all the support."

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Englan

Image: Michelle Agyemang reacts after levelling the game for the Lionesses. Pic: Reuters

Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - Sweden v England - Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland - July 17, 2025 Sweden

Image: Pic: Reuters

Pressure was on the Lionesses after they won the tournament in 2022.

Their journey in the group stages started with a 2-1 defeat to France, but hopes were lifted after England sailed past the Netherlands and Wales to reach the knockout stages, finishing second in Group D.

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Sweden on the other hand went into Thursday's game unbeaten in the tournament so far, having already defeated Germany, Poland and Denmark in the group stages.

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