England Edge Sweden in Dramatic Women’s EURO 2025 Quarter-Final Penalty Shootout

England's Nail-Biting Comeback Stuns Sweden

Anyone still breathing easy after the first half of the Women’s EURO 2025 quarter-final between England and Sweden wasn’t paying attention. Sweden looked like runaway winners at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, building a comfortable 2-0 lead after just 25 minutes. Kosovare Asllani capitalized almost instantly, catching the Lionesses cold with a goal before fans had even found their seats. Stina Blackstenius doubled the tally, exploiting England's shaky defense and leaving manager Sarina Wiegman in disbelief on the sideline.

It wasn’t just the scoreline—Sweden’s pressing suffocated England’s midfield. Every time England tried to build out, Swedish shirts swarmed, closing passing lanes and forcing mistakes. By halftime, most wouldn’t have bet a penny on England finding a way back. The Lionesses were out of rhythm, their attacks sputtering, and Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk hardly breaking a sweat.

Heroics Under Pressure: Late Goals and Penalty Drama

England’s response was slow-burning but relentless. As legs tired and nerves frayed in the final stretch, England discovered a new gear. Lucy Bronze, the most experienced player on the pitch, fought her way into the box in the 79th minute and slotted home a lifeline. Just two minutes later, 18-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang—barely old enough to remember the last time England played in a penalty shootout—lashed in another to level the score. The stadium erupted. Suddenly, Sweden, so composed earlier, looked rattled. Falk began barking orders; defenders waved their arms, desperately trying to regroup.

Extra time unfolded like a game of high-stakes chess, both sides probing but too afraid to go all-in. The score held at 2-2, setting up a penalty shootout that felt inevitable after 120 minutes of drama. That’s where goalkeeper Hannah Hampton took center stage. She saved twice—stretching low and then hurling herself to the other post—with the calm of a veteran. Her saves swung the balance, silencing the Swedish fans and sending England forward.

• Sweden’s Jennifer Falk wasn’t far behind, saving a shot of her own to keep hopes alive, but ultimately watched as Sweden’s final penalty slammed off the bar and out.
• England scored three from the spot, enough to outlast Sweden’s tally of two.

On the touchline, Sarina Wiegman confessed it was ‘the hardest game I’ve ever watched’. After the kind of night that tests your heart rate, you can believe she meant it. The Lionesses had managed a gritty comeback against a side many had tipped for the final, a reminder of why defending champions never bow out without a fight.

Now, all eyes shift to the semi-finals. England will meet Italy, carrying momentum—and all the scars of a wild night in Lyon. If this quarter-final is anything to go by, the fight for the Women's EURO 2025 crown is just getting started.