England beats Sweden on penalties to reach Euro 2025 semifinals after dramatic comeback
England will face Italy in the semifinal in Geneva on Tuesday. Sweden had topped its group with maximum points after three wins including a memorable 4-1 victory over Germany last time out and it started where it left off in Zurich. England appeared on the back foot from the off and as they tried to play it out from the back a pass rebounded off Filippa Angeldahl and came to Stina Blackstenius who teed up a completely unmarked Kosovare Asllani to slot into the bottom left corner. The goal was timed at 1 minute 46 seconds. Sweden was finding space on the right flank and exploited it again to double its lead. Blackstenius raced onto Julia Zigiotti Olme's pass and held off Jess Carter as she surged into the area and calmly dispatched the ball into the far bottom corner. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton pulled off fine saves to deny Fridolina Rolfö and Blackstenius and keep England in the game.
Chloe Kelly was brought on in the 78th minute and she had an immediate impact as she whipped in a cross from the left for Bronze to head in at the back post. And another precise cross two minutes later was nodded down for fellow substitute Agyemang to head in the equalizer. It was the 19-year-old's second goal for England on her third appearance. There were few real chances in extra time meaning that penalties would be needed to separate the sides. Both Sweden and England had won their last penalty shootouts in the round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup. Four players from each team missed their spot kicks before Bronze scored hers and Holmberg blazed over.
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