England beat Sweden, into Women's Euro last four
The Lionesses continued their Women's Euro title defence after coming back from two goals down to beat Sweden on penalties. Photo: Reuters
England roared into the semi-finals of Women's Euro 2025 after coming back from two goals down and then beating Sweden on penalties to continue their title defence.
Smilla Holmberg blasted over from the spot in an eventful shootout in Zurich, after the match finished 2-2 at the end of extra time thanks to Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang's quick-fire strikes just as England looked to be limping out of the tournament.
The reigning European champions were staring at elimination with 11 minutes remaining in normal time after Kosovare Asllani, who opened the scoring with her 50th international goal in the second minute, and Stina Blackstenius shot Sweden into a two-goal lead at half-time.
But Sarina Wiegman's team will face Italy in the last four in Geneva on Tuesday after a sensational comeback.
Defeat ended Sweden's bid for a first major honour since winning the first official Euros back in 1984, with Peter Gerhardsson's team falling in the most painful of fashions.
The Swedes were on the front foot from the off and somehow it was no surprise when Asllani drilled home her opener after just one minute and 46 seconds, the attacking midfielder being completely free to collect Blackstenius' lay-off and score.
England were deservedly two behind at the break following a dismal opening half.
Blackstenius showed how lethal she can be in the 25th minute when she raced in behind a dozing English defence, collected Julia Zigiotti Olme's pass, held off Carter and slotted home for Sweden.
England were brighter after the restart - Bronze gave them hope by heading home Chloe Kelly's cross in the 79th minute, before Agyemang reacted quickest to a loose ball and prodded England level.
Extra time passed without much incident and that left the shootout in which a parade of poor penalties, nine of which were missed, ended with Holmberg ballooning her effort way over and ending her team's year-long unbeaten run. (AFP)
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