England secured their spot in the Women’s Euros semi-finals by defeating Sweden and winning 3-2 on penalties at Stadion Letzigrund in Zurich, Switzerland. The Lionesses fought back from a 2-0 deficit at half-time to force extra-time.
After goals from Sweden’s Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius put them ahead, England equalized in normal time. Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang scored to level the game at 2-2.
After a goalless extra-time, the match went to penalties. England ultimately emerged victorious after a tense shootout.
England will face Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva on Tuesday.
Sarina Wiegman after the match. Pic: Reuters
‘That was crazy’
England manager Sarina Wiegman described the match as one of the toughest she has ever witnessed. She praised her team’s resilience after coming back from a two-goal deficit.
«We could have been out of the game three or four times, but we fought back and eventually won. It was a crazy game,» Wiegman said.
«We missed a lot of penalties, but so did they. I need some time to decompress after that intense match.»
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.»
Michelle Agyemang reacts after levelling the game for the Lionesses. Pic: Reuters
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.
in english while maintaining its SEO structure and link types (dofollow or nofollow) exactly as they appear. Image: Reuters The Lionesses secure a spot in the Women’s Euros semi-finals by defeating Sweden in a thrilling match that went to penalties. Despite being 2-0 down at halftime, England fought back to level the score with goals from Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang. The game ultimately went into extra time and then a tense penalty shootout.
After a goalless extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Alessia Russo scored the first penalty for England, but Sweden’s goalkeeper Jennifer Falk saved attempts from Lauren James, Alex Greenwood, Beth Mead, and Grace Clinton. The game went into sudden death when Falk missed her own penalty, allowing England’s Hannah Hampton to secure the win.
The victory was a significant achievement for the Lionesses, who had faced pressure after winning the tournament in 2022. Despite an initial defeat to France in the group stages, England’s strong performances against the Netherlands and Wales propelled them to the knockout stages. Sweden, on the other hand, had been unbeaten in the tournament until their clash with England.
The images from the match capture the intensity and emotion of the game, from celebrations to moments of devastation. The resilience and determination shown by both teams highlight the competitive spirit of the Women’s Euros and the passion for the sport.
Overall, England’s victory over Sweden in the quarter-finals was a testament to their skill and determination on the field. The Lionesses have proven themselves as strong contenders in the tournament, and their journey to the semi-finals is a result of their hard work and perseverance. As they continue their campaign, fans can expect more thrilling matches and exciting moments from the team. Image: 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. England will next face Italy in the semi-finals in Geneva on Tuesday.
‘That was crazy’
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.»
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.»
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.
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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